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Happy National Macaron Day! 14 Super Sweet Ways To Celebrate That Don't Involve A Trip To Laduree
If you thought the first day of spring couldn't get any better, think again. In addition to being the start of a new, warmer season, March 20 is also National Macaron Day. Finally, a day where people can indulge in the tiny, tasty French treat. Not that they actually needed a reason to do so.
Not to be confused with its coconut-based counterpart, the macaron (pronounced ma-ka-ron) is an airy French confection made from almond, sugar, and egg whites. When done correctly, the "cookie" is crunchy on the outside but slightly chewy on the inside. To make the shells even tastier, they are held together by a cream, meringue, or jam filling. And, as with most French treats, people prefer to buy them rather than make them themselves.
It's an understandable concern. Because the macaron requires a bit of finesse, people worry that the slightest mistake will turn their delicate dessert into a complete disaster. But to paraphrase Babe Ruth, you should never let the fear of screwing up keep you from celebrating National Macaron Day. If you're able to put your pastry fears aside, you'll find that macarons are actually pretty easy to make. Still have your doubts? Here are 14 macaron recipes that prove you don't have to be a professional chef to whip up this tasty French treat.
Image: Alex/Fotolia
Mexican Hot Chocolate Macarons
Hot chocolate season may be over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy its flavors. The Simple Sweet Life uses this beloved winter beverage as inspiration for her decadent macarons.
Image and recipe: The Simple Sweet Life
Vanilla Bean Macarons with Peach Preserves
What better way to welcome the warm weather than with Jason and Shawnda’s seasonal sweet treat?
Image and recipe: Jason and Shawnda
Mango Berry Macarons
We have yet to try a mango macaron, but we bet Brown Eyed Baker’s are the best around!
Image and recipe: Brown Eyed Baker
Chocolate Mint Macarons
If you love Thin Mints, then you’ll drool over Bake Love Give’s chocolate mint confections.
Image and recipe: Bake Love Give
Meyer Lemon Macarons
These aren’t your average lemon macarons. Eat.Live.Travel.Write fills her confections with a blackberry-thyme jam that will satisfy all your taste buds.
Image and recipe: Eat.Live.Travel.Write
White Chocolate Ganache-Filled Gingerbread Macarons
It doesn’t have to be winter for you to get a gingerbread fix. Dessert Now, Dinner Later’s Christmas-inspired macarons are the perfect treat to serve no matter what the time of year.
Image and recipe: Dessert Now, Dinner Later
French Macarons
You can’t go wrong with a classic. Brave Tart’s traditional macarons are perfect for people making the treat for the first time.
Image and recipe: Brave Tart
Peanut Butter Cup Macarons
It doesn’t get much better than peanut butter and chocolate. These super sweet macarons from Ari’s Menu are sure to please anyone.
Image and recipe: Ari’s Menu
Chocolate Cherry Macarons
Bite into Taste and Tell’s chocolatey treats, and you’ll find a flavorful surprise — a maraschino cherry.
Image and recipe: Taste and Tell
Sea Salt Caramel Macarons
The Little Epicurean’s sweet and salty macaron is perfect for fans of this famous flavor combination.
Image and recipe: The Little Epicurean
White Chocolate Raspberry Macarons
Simply Delicious Food’s fruity confections are the perfect blend of tart and sweet
Image and recipe: Simply Delicious Food
Pumpkin Pie Macarons
Not in the mood to bake a pie? Eat.Live.Travel.Write’s pumpkin pie pastry is the perfect way to get the flavor of Thanksgiving for less effort.
Image and recipe: Eat.Live.Travel.Write
Chai Tea Macarons
Looking for a treat that’s sugar, spice, and everything nice? Whip up a batch of the Simple Sweet Life’s chai macarons.
Image and recipe: The Simple Sweet Life
Strawberry Colada Macarons
When you bite into Taste and Tell’s strawberry-coconut confections, you’ll swear you’ve been transported to a tropical island.
Image and recipe: Taste and Tell
