Saturday, August 4, 2012

Macaroons

I'm pleased to announce that I now know how to make macaroons. This morning I took a cooking course through Viking Cooking school. My goodness, I loved every minute of it. I plan on taking future courses in the next couple of weeks. Its a good way to meet new friends and challenge yourself in the kitchen. To tell you the truth I was a bit nervous trying to master the art of the macaroon. I'm not much of a baker but I didn't allow intimidation to stop me. With a few clicks and my credit card number I was committed.
 


Macaroons are some of my favorite treats. They are absolutely delicious. There is something so artistic about them. The colors are vibrant and they are filled with the most heavenly creams.
Considering that I'm NOT a baker I felt at times I was completely a fish out of water. But what I enjoyed most about my instructor is that she took the time to show me what to do and gave me some incredible tips that I'm eager to use in the kitchen.

Although my macaroons didn't turn out as pretty as the instructor's or Laduree's, they tasted incredible. My fillings are chocolate, vanilla, buttercream, and peanut butter. My favorite was the peanut butter (too die for).



I'm going to continue practicing until I master the perfect macaroon. The chocolate macaroons are too big and look like whoopie pies.



Thankfully my husband could care less how they looked while popping them in his mouth.


Wishing everyone a beautiful weekend!

15 comments:

  1. Yay for going out of your comfort zone and trying something new! I've always wanted to try these but they look so difficult. Maybe a baking class is the answer to my fears :)

    Have a wonderful Sunday ~
    Jo

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    1. I was thinking of making pumpkin macaroons or whoppie pies for Thanksgiving. I was going to start playing with the recipe this next couple of weeks. I'll be share to post the recipe for you.

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  2. Way to go learning something new. And all that matters in the long run is that they taste wonderful. The school in Memphis is a couple blacks from my office.

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    1. I went to the school in Ridgeland at Township. It's new and really beautiful inside. I'm thinking of signing up for a cooking course with the hubby. Make it a date.

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  3. I would have loved to have taken that class! I have been a bit reluctant to try making these!

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    1. They are time consuming to make but not as difficult as I thought they would be. I'll have to post the recipe.

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  4. OMG! These look so pretty and delicious!...Christine

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    1. Thank you, Christine. I'll be sharing a recipe for pumpkin macaroons during the holidays. I'll let you know when I post it.

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  5. Wow, macaroons! I drool when I think about them, went so far once as to google a site in NYC that's supposed to have the best in the States -- but the price, OMG! So, gulp, took a pass. I'd never thought about making them and am enthused about your success. They look great!

    Vienna is beyond magical! Can't get enough of it's charm. Hint: If you stay at the NH Hotel within easy walking distance of the airport, you can ride a bus into the city for about $20.00, roundtrip, a bargain. It's a private shuttle, running every half hour. (Across from hotel.) At the same stop is the bus for Bratislava, Slovakia, about 40 miles away, where you can purchase a day trip. Bratislava has one of the best kept Medieval old cities in Europe. However, the outer city is stereotypical, in many respects, of Soviet Union architecture and not really worth that much time. The city's a lot larger than one would expect, so a day trip would avoid a lot of the hassle of getting to the Old City. We drove the first time and, to be honest, got lucky or we'd still be wandering around.

    There are smaller hotels near the city center, on side streets, popular with back packers. Please research options carefully before you go.

    I've been to both Vienna and Zurich during the holidays. Both cities are postcard gorgeous. The Christmas markets are as you'd imagine. Having said that, Christmas is decidedly low key compared to ours. Language barriers exist. You really need a game plan before going or you could get caught short, i.e., Christmas dinner and so on. Stores and restaurants do close.

    Follow your dreams, girl!

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    1. Kittie,

      Vienna sounds beautiful. I can't wait to see it. I truly appreciate the tips. I'm going to use them when we plan our trip. You're so sweet to give me so much advice. I really appreciate it.

      Thanks again,
      Gigi

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  6. Congras on your new skill!! I love cooking classes also. The macaroons sound delicious!

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  7. Girl, I am impressed! I'm not a baker either, and the thought of trying macaroons sends me into hyperventilation. As much as I love cooking...baking, and I venture to guess, macaroons, is truly a different science. Great job!

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    1. Thank you, Rebecca! It was so much fun to learn how to make them.

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  8. p.s. totally been meaing to ask you if you are watching the new remake of Dallas? I am!! JR has some great lines!! I'm loving it.

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    1. I AM!!! My husband and I LOVE Dallas. We never miss an episode. I hope they bring back some more of the older characters. It would be great if Lucy and Ray came back to the ranch. I love Sue Ellen and JR. JR hasn't missed a beat. I can't believe Larry Hagman is 81. That went by so fast.

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