French Macarons

Ingredients and Weight:

• Almond flour, 1 cup
• Powdered sugar, 1 cup
• Egg whites, 3 large
• Granulated sugar, 1/2 cup
• Salt, 1/4 teaspoon
• Blue food coloring gel, 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
• Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon

Preparation Time:

30 minutes

Cooking Time:

15-18 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Moderately Difficult (3)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, combine almond flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Pulse until finely ground.
3. In a large bowl, whisk egg whites and granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
4. Fold the dry ingredients into the egg white mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
5. Add food coloring and vanilla extract (if desired).
6. Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip.
7. Pipe 1-inch circles onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 1 inch apart.
8. Rap the baking sheet on the counter a few times to remove any air bubbles.
9. Let the macarons rest for 30 minutes at room temperature, or until the tops are dry to the touch.
10. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the macarons are set and the tops are matte.
11. Let the macarons cool completely on the baking sheet.

Nutritional Information:

Per serving (1 macaron):

• Calories: 80
• Fat: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 15g

Dish Characteristics:

• Delicate and light
• Crisp exterior with a chewy interior
• Flavored with vanilla and almond
• Blue-hued to represent the French flag

User Comments:

• "These macarons are simply divine! The perfect balance of sweetness and crunch."
• "I love the French flag theme. It's a beautiful and delicious way to celebrate French culture."
• "These macarons are so well-made. They have a sophisticated flavor and texture that's hard to beat."
• "The blue color is a delightful surprise. It adds a touch of elegance and whimsy."
• "These macarons are a true work of art. They're perfect for a special occasion or as a gift."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use a kitchen scale to measure the ingredients accurately.
• Do not overmix the batter, or the macarons will become tough.
• Let the macarons rest for 30 minutes before baking, or they will not rise properly.
• The macarons can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.