Macaron- Paris, France

The French are known for their cheeses. The French are known for their baguettes. The French are known for their wines, croissants, and crepes. But no one ever mentioned anything to me about their macarons. However, French macarons are a delicacy in their finest. 

The first time I saw a macaron, I thought it was a miniature, candy hamburger, like those gummy messes you find at every check-out counter in America. (Don’t worry, we have gummy pizza and fries too, in case you really feel like becoming a part of the obesity epidemic!) But that’s just my American bias screaming for a voice. Macarons are nothing like these vile candies we see. 

Instead, macarons are bite-sized sandwich cookies that come in a plethora of sweet and refreshing flavors. The cookies are made of egg-whites, almond powder, sugar, and food coloring. The filling, the part of the cookie that gives it the most flavor, is a type of jam made of anything from chocolate or cappuccino to pistachio or rose. 

The beauty of the macaron is that it is so compact, but filled with taste. Furthermore, it is a light dessert, allowing one to sample multiple flavors in one sitting. And that I did, friends…

Raspberry Macaron

Here in France, macarons are taken very seriously. Every store has their own version, but each version stays true to the original template: cookie, filling, cookie. Although macarons were perfected in France, they are originally from Italy, and their name comes from the same origins as the word “macaroni”, the roots for “fine dough”. They were initially served as single cookies, until the 1900s when chefs started sandwiching them into a mouthwatering delight. 

Today, they are served with tea, as an after breakfast snack, or a light dessert. They are always reserved as gifts from abroad. Unless of course, like me, you ate them before you got on the plane. Sorry Mom and Dad. 

Now which one should I try?!?!