All attempts to resist are futile!
Why are people lined up braving the glacial wind on the avenue des Champs Elysées in Paris? No, they’re not waiting to catch a glimpse of Tom Cruise or Lady Gaga. They’re simply trying to get into Ladurée, the kingdom of the small French macaroon. The boutique located on the most beautiful avenue in the world is constantly full. Once you reach the counter, the real problems arise: how to choose between the flavors and colors and allow oneself to get enticed by the sin of gluttony, at the price of 1,40€ per macaroon – or 80€ per kilo! But, who cares. This investment is not as onerous as caviar or white truffles...
From one pastry chef to the next, what’s the difference?
Fine crunchy envelope or sugared crust, convex or mini-hamburger shape, bold or acidic colors, soft or creamy centre, each pastry chef has their secret … At Dalloyau, the recipes are not very sweet and accent the natural flavors; Arnaud Larher likes to vary the textures; Ladurée opts for macaroons that are “both soft and crunchy” and Gérard Mulot, the darling of the stars, turns his macaroons into real small crunchy cakes…
Recommendations by the chefs
Whether 12 or 20 g, one thing is sure: the French, tourists, children, adults, women and men, all love mini-macaroons. Although a purchase in the boutique is most exhilarating, a great many shops now deliver, sometimes even abroad! When considering the quantities produced, it’s easy to understand that this small cake has a glorious future ahead of it: Dalloyau announces 10 tons a year, Pierre Hermè 400 kg per day and Ladurée 500 kg, or over 40,000 mini-macaroons per day!
There’s even a macaroon festival!
Each year, for the last 10 years, March 20 is Macaroon Day. During this day, the Pierre Hermé boutiques in Paris and the Relais Desserts pastry chefs, propose a tasting of macaroons and invite their clients to make a donation to support research on cystic fibrosis.
Bon apétit ! Catherine
© Pictures: front page internet, inside page Ladurée Paris and internet