What are French Macarons?

French macarons are a delightful, sweet, meringue-based confection. These delicate sandwich cookies are made with egg whites, icing sugar, granulated sugar, and almond meal. The typical Parisian-style macaron, which has been popular since the 19th century, features two rounded discs filled with ganache, buttercream, or jam. 

Key characteristics:

• Meringue-based: The shells use a meringue base.
• Almond flour: Finely ground almonds, or almond flour, is a key ingredient. It’s important to use almond flour.
• Sandwich cookie: A filling is sandwiched between two macaron shells.
• Crisp exterior, moist and chewy interior: The shells are known for their crisp outer layer and a soft, chewy texture inside.
• Variety of fillings: Ganache, buttercream, or jam are common fillings. 

History:

• The macaron’s origins can be traced back to Italy in the Middle Ages.
• Catherine de’ Medici is credited with bringing macarons to France in 1533. At that time, they were simple almond cookies.
• The sandwich-style macaron as known today was popularized by Pierre Desfontaines of Ladurée in the 20th century. He introduced the idea of filling two shells with ganache, buttercream, or jam. 

Popular Flavors:

• Commonly enjoyed flavors include chocolate, pistachio, rose, caramel, vanilla, and raspberry.
• Other popular choices include salted caramel, coffee, coconut, matcha, and almond.
• Pierre Hermé is renowned for his creative and unique macaron flavor combinations. 

Tips for Making French Macarons:

• Use fine almond flour.
• Sift the dry ingredients (almond flour and powdered sugar).
• Whip the egg whites to stiff peaks.
• Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the meringue.
• Pipe the batter onto baking sheets and tap to release air bubbles.
• Allow the piped macarons to dry before baking. 

French macarons are a challenging but rewarding dessert to make at home. They are enjoyed worldwide and are considered a symbol of French luxury and culinary artistry.