Ever since I tried my first French macaron, I've been seeing them everywhere. I tried the ones at the Tastemaker's event and then someone brought some to a baby shower I attended recently. A woman there couldn't stop raving about them and seemed to think they would be the next big sweet, soon to be in stores and bakeries across the country just like the cupcake. She wasn't far off the mark, as reported by NPR. I did a little more Internet digging and found that Wall Street Journal also reported on the macaron's surge in popularity. McCafés in France are serving them and there was a limited run of them at Starbucks. Most of my friends are still confused by the name, as they are more familiar with the coconut version, which is spelled macaroon. Tell me what you think: Have you tried them and, if so, do you think they'll be the next big thing in sweets?
May 17, 2010
macaron: the next big thing?
Posted by Kellee MillerComments (8)
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From: Kimberly W. Codron | 5/17/10 at 12:01 pm
I had my first macaron at Paris in a Cup, Orange, CA. It was so good! It was lemon. I've been wanting to try one for so long and could kick myself that I didn't know about them when I was actually in Paris three years ago.
From: AmandaB | 5/17/10 at 12:44 pm
I think they have been popular for some time, it seems that every food magazine has done the picture of the rows upon rows of colorful macarons in France. When we were in France last year, the macaron was everywhere and was displayed almost more for its color schemes than for the cookie itself. While in Carcassonne one of the stores selling macarons insisted we try the Chocolat Foie Gras and it was pretty awful. However, the Violet, the Nutella and the Menthe were amazing. The cookie has to be almost meringue-like and the filling is more like a frosting with a little fondant thrown in for stiffness. Just delicious and so pretty to look at.
From: Aki | 5/17/10 at 8:26 pm
My very first macaron was sent by my sister straight from Paris. They were from Ladure and I can't let go of the beautiful box even after it is empty...
The first one I have seen in the US was at a bakery in front of Pike's Market in Seattle that I do not recall the name. It was really true to the original if not for the "American" size... Back in CA, I have noticed a few here and there in the Bay area, such as Miette in San Francisco. Last weekend, while visitting Japantown in San Jose, CA, I bought a little box of macaron at a charming cafe called Roy's, they were made by a local company called Cookie Monster. They were pretty but the artificial flavorings were so overpowering I had to stop at the first bite and throw the rest away... very disappointing...
From: Randi Maerz | 6/7/10 at 11:31 am
I was first introduced to macarons over a year ago, as Emily Martin is very fond of them and speak of them often on her blog. I found a recipe and made some pistachio ones, and they were to die for! They are time-intensive to make, but not very hard to do. Amazing little bites of heaven, for sure.
From: Amy Lucille | 6/16/10 at 6:49 pm
My first Macaron was at Thomas Keller's Bouchon Bakery in Yountville Ca. It was love at first bite. We made a special trip back the next day on our way out to get a few more. Carmel was really good and so was the pistachio.
From: val | 8/13/10 at 2:31 am
try Macarons, st Armand's circle sarasota, fl, enough said
From: Susan Doherty | 1/14/11 at 9:19 am
Yes, I think they are the next big thing for 2011 and I couldn't be happier since that is my specialty at Green Eyed Susan French Macaron Boutique, http://www.GreenEyedSusan.com Just looking at the seasonal variation in colors, flavors and combinations, you can imagine that the macaron is here to hold peoples' attention. I love them!
From: Jodie Wedman | 10/23/11 at 9:22 pm
Best macarons are made by Eye Candy Event Designs in Boise, Idaho. Hands down!