Almond Macarons Recipe & Video Tutorial
By Lisa Maliga copyright 2018-2019
Almond is a classic flavor and the filling also contains almond flour. Using a high quality almond extract will make the flavor even richer. These lovely almond macarons will brighten any occasion!
This recipe is included in my book Baking Macarons: The Swiss Meringue Method.
Almond Macarons
INGREDIENTS:
160 grams confectioners' sugar, sift with almond flour
160 grams almond flour, sift with confectioners' sugar
150 grams egg whites
180 grams confectioners’ sugar, sieved
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 Tablespoon arrowroot powder
Blue food color gel
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven to 300°F.Sift the almond flour and confectioners’ sugar into a bowl.
Stir in the arrowroot powder and set aside.
Put a template on a baking sheet and place a silicone mat or parchment paper over it.
Set aside.In the bowl of a stand mixer, add egg whites and confectioners’ sugar. Whisk until well combined.
Place bowl over steaming pot with just enough water, as you don’t want the water touching the bowl. Heat on medium heat until it steams. Test to make sure it’s hot enough by sticking your clean finger in the meringue near the center of the bowl. If using a candy thermometer the temperature should be about 130 F.
Remove from heat and place bowl back onto stand mixer. Add the cream of tartar. Whisk on medium to high speed until firm peaks form. Egg whites should be glossy and if you flip the bowl upside down, nothing will come out.
Add food coloring and whisk until the color is incorporated.Remove the whisk and add the paddle attachment [if using one].
Add the presifted almond flour and confectioners’ sugar mixture and food coloring. Turn mixer to low or medium speed and mix for up to 10 seconds. If that doesn’t mix the batter thoroughly, mix for another 10 seconds. Turn off mixer and with your spatula, run it around the sides and bottom of bowl to make sure all the dry ingredients are incorporated. Test for the ribbon stage. When you lift your spatula above the bowl, the batter should fall back to the bowl as one continuous stream and create a ribbon pattern.
Pour batter into a large pastry bag fitted with a large round tip.
Pipe onto the silicone or parchment covered baking sheets. When finished with each sheet, bang baking sheet on counter to remove air bubbles. If you see any air bubbles, pop them with a toothpick.
Let shells rest on a flat surface in a cool, dry area for about 30 minutes. The surface will change from glossy to matte. To make sure they’re done, gently touch the edge of one with your finger. There should be no trace of batter on your finger.
Bake for 15-20 minutes. This will vary depending on your oven. Carefully monitor the baking process and check your oven thermometer. After 8 minutes, rotate the tray to ensure even baking.
Macarons are done when you peel back the mat or parchment paper and the shells don’t stick. Remove from oven and slide the parchment or silicone mat onto a cooling rack. Place macaron shells on a wax paper covered baking sheet or tray for filling.
When the shells are dry, match similar sized shells together. Pipe the filling on the flat side of one shell and gently place the second shell on top.
Almond Macaron Filling
This is a European type of filling as it contains almond flour for a thickener and for the taste and texture. For more texture, you can use unblanched almond flour.
INGREDIENTS:
125 grams [4 ounces] unsalted butter, room temperature
86 grams [3 ounces ] almond flour [sifting isn’t necessary]
86 grams [3 ounces] confectioners’ sugar,, sifted
1 1/2 vanilla bean paste
1 teaspoon almond extract
INsTRUCTIONS:
In a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, whip the butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
Add the powdered sugar, starting at low speed and gradually changing to medium speed.
When thoroughly mixed add the almond flour and whisk until the filling is smooth and creamy.
Add the vanilla bean paste and almond extract.
Spoon into a piping bag, the use of a tip is optional.
Amazon link: Baking Macarons: The Swiss Meringue Method
All other bookstores: https://lisamaliga.com/bakingmacaronsswiss.htm