The allure of French macarons lies not only in their colourful, beautiful shells but also in the delicate balance of textures and flavours. With a crisp exterior, a soft interior, and a creamy filling, each one is a bite-sized wonder that leaves you longing for more. This iconic French dessert, known for its signature ‘feet’, comes in a wide range of flavours, but the salted caramel remains a timeless favourite. Crafting these macarons can be an art, but with some patience and precision, it’s an art that you too can master. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making French macarons with a delightful salted caramel filling.
Before you dive into making these delicious treats, it’s essential to have the right ingredients at hand.
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The macarons themselves are made from just a few simple ingredients: almond flour, egg whites, and sugar. It’s important to ensure that your egg whites are at room temperature before you begin. If you are using fresh almonds, they need to be blanched and finely ground. Alternatively, you can buy almond flour from your local grocery store to save some time.
For the salted caramel filling, you will need sugar, cream, butter, and of course, a touch of salt. Ideally, you want a high-fat cream (at least 25%) to achieve a rich, creamy texture. And when it comes to butter, unsalted is best, as this allows you to control the amount of salt in your caramel.
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After laying out all your ingredients, it’s time to prepare the macaron batter.
Firstly, whisk the room-temperature egg whites in a mixer until they form soft peaks. Gradually add in sugar and continue to whisk until the egg whites reach a glossy, stiff peak stage.
Next, sift your almond flour and remaining sugar together into a separate bowl. This step is crucial for achieving smooth shells on your macarons. Once sifted, gently fold this almond mixture into your whipped egg whites with a spatula. Be careful not to over-mix; the batter should flow like lava when lifted with the spatula.
With your batter ready, it’s time to shape and bake the macaron shells.
Transfer your batter to a piping bag fitted with a round nozzle. Pipe even circles onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. A template can be helpful here, especially if you’re new to making macarons. Once piped, tap the baking sheet firmly on the countertop a few times to release any air bubbles.
Before baking, let your piped shells sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This waiting time is crucial for forming a skin on your shells, which gives them their characteristic ‘feet’.
Bake the macaron shells in a preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they come off the paper easily.
While your macaron shells are cooling, you can start making the salted caramel filling.
To make the caramel, heat sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar melts into a deep amber liquid. Be careful not to burn it! Next, carefully add your cream and butter, stirring until fully incorporated. Reply to the heat with a pinch of salt, allowing it to dissolve completely.
Once the caramel cools and thickens, it’s ready to be piped onto your macaron shells.
With your shells baked and the filling made, it’s time for the final stage – assembly.
Pair up the shells according to their size. Pipe or spoon a dollop of the cooled salted caramel onto one shell of each pair. Gently press the second shell onto the caramel, completing your macaron.
Remember, macarons taste best after aging in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. This allows the flavours to meld together, creating a truly delightful sensory experience.
Congratulations! You have now perfected the art of making French macarons with a salted caramel filling. So, don your apron, gather your ingredients, and happy baking!
As you get more comfortable with the basics of macaron making, it’s time to add a personal touch to your creations.
Coloring your macaron shells can make your French macarons more visually appealing. To color your macaron batter, add a few drops of gel food coloring during the mixing process. Remember, the color of the batter will lighten slightly during baking, so it’s a good idea to go a shade darker than your desired result. Be sure to use gel food coloring, as liquid food coloring can alter the consistency of your batter.
Garnishing your macarons with some powdered sugar or a sprinkle of sea salt can also elevate the appearance and flavor of your macarons. For a finishing touch, consider dusting some powdered sugar over the macarons after they’ve baked and cooled. Or, if you want to enhance the flavour of your salted caramel macarons, a sprinkle of high-quality sea salt on top of the caramel before sandwiching the shells together can work wonders.
In the art of macaron making, even the smallest details matter. One such detail is the environment in which you bake your macarons. The temperature and humidity of your kitchen can greatly affect the outcome of your macarons.
While it may seem trivial, it’s necessary to ensure your kitchen is at room temperature before you start baking. Extreme temperatures can affect the consistency of your macaron batter and the texture of your baked macarons. Similarly, high humidity can cause your macarons to become soggy or prevent them from forming their characteristic ‘feet’.
To ensure a favourable baking environment, keep your kitchen well-ventilated and cool. If your kitchen is humid, consider using a dehumidifier or baking on a less humid day. The use of parchment paper on your baking sheets can also help absorb excess moisture and provide an ideal surface for your macarons to bake on.
As with any intricate dessert, the art of making French macarons with a salted caramel filling requires patience, precision, and practice. From gathering quality ingredients to preparing your salted caramel filling, and finally assembling your macarons – every step is crucial in creating the perfect macarons. It may seem like a daunting task, especially for beginners, but don’t be discouraged. As you continue baking and experimenting, you’ll find that the process becomes easier and the results more satisfying.
So, get your apron on, gather your almond flour, egg whites, sugar, and piping bags, and embark on the delightful journey of macaron making. After all, there’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into a homemade French macaron, especially one filled with a creamy, salty-sweet caramel center. Can there be a better reward for your baking efforts? We think not! Happy baking!