Chef Ed Dychauco, RN
One of the latest craze to hit the culinary world
recently is the delicious sweet meringue-based confection made with egg whites,
powdered sugar, refined sugar, almond powder and flavoring/food coloring known
as Macarons. It is derived from the word maccarone or maccherone of the Italian
language.
They are characterized by their domed-shape tops
with a delicate bottom and a delightful & pleasingly soft and kind of chewy
centers. These almond meringues are then sandwiched together with chocolate
ganache, buttercream, fruit fillings or jam.
These are very popular in French patisseries,
where stunning & amazing arrays of colors and flavors can be found. These
little sweets are perfect for after-dinner treats, as a gift or give-away in
birthdays or weddings, afternoon tea pleasure or indulgence.
They are simple, but it can be tricky to make.
But once you have mastered the basic technique, any flavors or variety can be
produced with ease. Classic flavors includes vanilla, coffee and chocolate. But
since we are a country of wonders, we can also make exotic flavors like ube,
pandan, and langka to name a few.
Essential equipment for making macarons includes
measuring cups, food processor, strainer, mixer, spatula, baking sheets, pastry
bag & an open round tip. And of course, an oven for you to bake these
little extravagant delicacies.
What at about basic ingredients? Ground almonds
is a must (although I know some people would tend to use some other nuts),
confectioner’s sugar, egg whites or meringue powder, food colorings and
flavorings. We are lucky because we have coloring/flavoring in one in the
market that are equally good to use.
These are quite expensive and one of the reasons
is because of the ingredient, almond powder. However, this should not deter you
from making your own because these little sweet confections are worth your
time, energy, effort and money! And with lots of practice and “tasting” you
should be able to perfect the art of macaron-making!
¾ cup
ground almonds
1 cup Peotraco Premium Powdered Sugar
2 pcs extra large egg whites
¼ cup Peotraco Caster Sugar
½ tsp flavoring (of your choice)
Coloring
paste (that goes with the flavor)
Simple steps to impeccable and absolutely charming
macaron:
1.)
Ground almonds with powdered sugar till fine
& powdery. Sift.
2.)
Beat eggwhites till soft peaks, add sugar slowly
to make a firm & glossy meringue.
3.)
Add a third of the almond mixture to meringue and
fold dry mixture to meringue.
4.)
Once all mixture is folded, add the second 3rd
of the almond mixture. Do the same.
5.)
Add the last batch till smooth & glossy.
6.)
Line baking sheets with parchment paper (for
easier removal once baked).
7.)
Pipe circles onto the paper. Tap the underside of
baking sheet to remove air bubbles.
8.)
Let macaron stand for 20-30 minutes to let
surface dry and form a slight crust.
9.)
Bake macaron for 10-15 minutes in about 325
degree oven.
10.)
Macaron are done when they have a crisp shell.
11.)
Let macaron cool. Peel off from paper and let
cool completely in a wire rack.
12.)
Fill with favorite filling.
Once they are done, it is time to sit down alone
or with friends or family. Enjoy these dainty delicacies with a cup of coffee,
tea or any of your favorite beverage.
Splurge. Enjoy. Savor.
Published in Sunstar CDO on August 23, 2012, Thursday
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