I flavored the shells of these macarons by replacing 3 Tbs of the almond flour with 2 Tbs of cocoa and 1 Tb of sea salt. I put the almond flour, powdered sugar, cocoa, and sea salt through the food processor and sieve to make sure it was all nicely chopped. I adapted this recipe.
I added pink gel food coloring to the egg whites which mellowed out into a pretty darker pink color when mixed with the cocoa. (Had to have pink cookies for the party!)
The filling was a chocolate ganache sprinkled with a bit of sea salt.
These were so yummy! I flavored the shells with about a Tb of lemon zest thrown in the food processor with the almond flour and powdered sugar. I also added yellow gel food coloring.
I filled these with a mix of mascarpone cheese and lemon curd (which I purchased premade). I adapted Not So Humble Pie’s filling recipe.
Beth’s Foolproof French Macaron Recipe
A Macaron Troubleshooting Guide: Useful Tips and Advice to Master the French Delicacy
Macaron 101: French Meringue
Comments + Project Love
Brandi says
You did it and they look amazing; like fresh from a bakery amazing!!!
Alexis Middleton says
Thanks so much, Brandi! You are so sweet!
Tal Nakmann Tiran says
They look so good! My experiments with macaroons didn't end up very well… Will try your tips next time. Please come & share it on <a href="http://pinterest.com/thecrafeteria/feature-me-group-board/" rel="nofollow"> The Crafeteria's Pinterest Group Board </a>
Alexis Middleton says
Thank you! I will come check your board out! 🙂
Alison Burtt says
Very helpful tips! I've made them once before and they turned out fine, but not perfect. They had feet, but many of them cracked. It was also the middle of summer and crazy humid out. So maybe not the best day. I'll try them again soon with your tips! Thanks! ~Ali from Pies & Puggles
Alexis Middleton says
Thanks, Alison! I had a few cracked tops too… I feel like I learn something new with every batch.
eat. sleep. MAKE. says
I just had my first macaron recently and have been wanting to make some myself but I've heard so many horror stories on how hard they are to make! I pinned this and I think you've got me convicted that I need to give macaron making a try 🙂 Btw did you use parchment paper or a silpat mat (Which I don't have but it seems a lot of other people are using)? -Jen
Alexis Middleton says
Hi Jen! Thanks so much for your comment! I used parchment paper because I don't have a slipmat. Check out Not So Humble Pie's discussion of the difference between the two <a href="http://notsohumblepie.blogspot.com/2010/04/macarons-101-french-meringue.html?m=1" rel="nofollow">here.</a> She prefers parchment.
Kayla Janachovsky says
Wow! They look great! Thanks for linking up to The DIY'ers!
Helen Mclaney says
Hi Alexis! I can't believe this was your first attempt at making macarons as they look great! I have tried it in the past and the batter was like water. It was such an awful experience but your guide makes me want to try it again. I will have to be brave and give them another go!
Kathy Penney says
These are gorgeous! Looks like you nailed it. And what a fun addition to a tea party! Thanks for sharing at All Things Pretty!
Julie Corbisiero says
Hi, you macaroons look amazing and so pretty. I love the colors! <br />Julie from julieslifestyle.blogspot.com
Alexis Middleton says
Thanks so much, Julie! The colors are so fun, aren't they?
Ritchil Shafer says
I've never tried making macarons because they're just so intimidating. But I might try it soon thanks to this post of yours! You're macarons look amazing!
Alexis Middleton says
I was totally intimidated too, but I'm glad I decided to give it a shot. They're so fun!
Emily SimpleLifeFireWife says
I've always been to afraid to try these…but your look so good I just might have to! Especially that chocolate one…! Thanks for sharing!
Alexis Middleton says
Thanks, Emily! Good luck and have fun! 🙂
Sandy Ang says
they look super yummy !
Alexis Middleton says
They are! Thanks for stopping by, Sandy!
Erin Tableforseven says
Great post! I've never attempted macaroons, so, this is very helpful 🙂 Thanks for sharing at Share your Stuff Tuesdays!
Hannah Evans says
These look great!! I've been waiting to brave macarons as well. Pinning this now, and can't wait to try them 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
jessica m. says
Congrats on the featured blogger spot at play party pin! I've seen some of your macaron posts around. They look great, and now I have no excuses to not make them.