Macarons are delicate and delicious French treats that have become increasingly popular all around the world. While they may seem intimidating to make, Sur la Table has an easy macaron recipe that will have you impressing your friends and family in no time. Let’s explore the steps to make the best Sur la Table macarons and answer some commonly asked questions about this delightful dessert.
To start with, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
– 1 cup almond flour
– 3 large egg whites, room temperature
– ¼ cup granulated sugar
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– Food coloring (optional)
– Buttercream filling of your choice
Now, let’s dive into the recipe:
1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, combine powdered sugar and almond flour. Pulse until well combined and fine in texture. Sift the mixture into a separate bowl and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy. Gradually add granulated sugar and salt while continuing to beat. Beat until stiff peaks form.
4. Gently fold in the dry mixture into the egg white mixture using a rubber spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as this may result in flat macarons.
5. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to the batter and gently fold until evenly colored.
6. Transfer the batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small circles onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about an inch apart.
7. Once all the batter is piped, firmly tap the baking sheets on the counter to release any air bubbles. Let the macarons sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, allowing a skin to form on the surface.
8. Bake the macarons in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, rotating the sheets halfway through. The macarons should be set and firm to the touch.
9. Remove the macarons from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheets.
10. Once cooled, carefully remove the macarons from the parchment paper and match them by size.
11. Fill a piping bag with your desired buttercream filling and pipe a small amount onto the flat side of one macaron shell. Gently sandwich another macaron shell on top.
12. Repeat with the remaining macarons until they are all filled.
Now, let’s move on to some frequently asked questions about Sur la Table macarons:
Q1: Can I make macarons without almond flour?
A1: Almond flour is a crucial ingredient in macarons, as it provides the signature texture and flavor. It is not recommended to substitute it entirely with another type of flour.
Q2: How do I store macarons?
A2: Macarons should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be enjoyed for up to 5 days.
Q3: Can I freeze macarons?
A3: Yes, you can freeze macarons. Place them in an airtight container, separating the layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 1 month.
Q4: Why are my macarons flat?
A4: Flat macarons can be a result of overmixing the batter or not letting it rest enough before baking. Follow the recipe closely and be gentle when folding the dry ingredients into the egg whites.
Q5: Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?
A5: Liquid food coloring can affect the consistency of the batter, making it more runny. It is recommended to use gel food coloring for better results.
Q6: Can I use a different filling instead of buttercream?
A6: Absolutely! While buttercream is a classic choice, you can experiment with different fillings such as ganache, fruit curd, or even Nutella.
Q7: How long does it take to make macarons?
A7: The preparation and baking process for macarons can take around 2 hours, including resting time. However, practice makes perfect, and with experience, you’ll become faster and more efficient.
With this Sur la Table macaron recipe, you can create these delectable treats in the comfort of your own kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and indulge in the best easy Sur la Table macarons!