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strawberry macarons
When I was editing the photo up there, and trying to think of what text to put up—which, by the way, can take as much as an hour. I’m not kidding. Apparently, adding clever text to a picture is often beyond my realm of ready wit. That’s why a lot of the time it only says the name of the food.
Anyway, when I was trying to come up with what I should write there, only one phrase came to me: “think pink.” As cliche as those words are, my brain would not let go of them. I knew that by adding those words to the picture, I would have to write about different things than my usual jibber jabber about my kids, or why I used cardamom in a sauce instead of just vanilla. I knew that by writing “think pink,” I knew I would be encouraging discussion about what the color pink means to you.
The first (and obvious) thought I jumped to, was that people would think of breast cancer research. Cancer is something that has not avoided our family. However, I am relieved to say, that at least for now, breast cancer has passed over me and my loved ones, and for that I am grateful. It does not diminish how much respect I feel for women and men who have suffered as a result of this disease. Their courage is an inspiration to me. When I put myself in their shoes, I want to hug my kids a little tighter, and steal kisses from them more often.
Then I thought of my daughter. Pink will always be her color. At least for me, anyway.
When I was a child, my brother would instruct me on all things pertaining to life, success, love, and happiness. Had my mother been aware that a seven-year-old was having free reign advising a four-year-old, she may have intervened before he filled me in on the reality of Santa, or (when we were a few years older) the miracle of life explained with skin colored silly putty as visual aids. Among my brother’s vast wisdom, was the notion that all things girly were stupid. That included ballet, Barbies, girls’ bikes, and most of all: the color pink.
Of course, I love my brother, and it’s more fun than anything else, to reflect on his profound influence on my shaping character, but when I had my own daughter, I promised myself that nothing would interfere with her comfort in expressing her femininity. Even if that meant nudging her a little (Insert angry shouts here). She is sandwiched between two boys, after all.
I figured, if she wants to hate the color pink, she has her whole life to decide that. But I wanted her to start out by knowing it was okay to be as girly as she wanted. I wanted her to feel safe in knowing that being a girl is beautiful, and never something to be ashamed of. That it’s okay to like wearing fingernail polish (she hates it though—scrapes it off within a few hours. Just like her mom), and it’s okay to like dresses, and lace, and princess movies. I want her to be happy, knowing she is a daughter of God, well-loved by Him, and by her own family.
So what about you? What does the color pink mean to you?
strawberry macarons
1 cup almond flour (or 1 cup blanched almonds, finely ground)
1 cup confectioner’s sugar
2 egg whites, left in an open container overnight in the refrigerator, or for 2-3 hours at room temperature
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1-2 drops all natural strawberry flavor
1-2 drops pink food coloring (all natural, if possible)
1. In the bowl of a food processor, fitted with the blade attachment, pulse together almond flour and confectioner’s sugar, until finely ground. Sift up to four times (or whatever you have patience for). In a separate bowl (one that is scrupulously clean and free of grease—preferably not plastic), beat the eggs with an electric mixer to form soft peaks. Gradually add the granulated sugar, about a tablespoon at a time, until all the sugar is incorporated and dissolved. Beat until thick and glossy, 2-3 minutes. Stir in strawberry flavor and food coloring.
2. Add in about half of the almond mixture to the egg white mixture. Do not fold the two mixtures—stir it as you would stir a brownie mix. Add in more of the almond mixture as necessary to achieve a thick, glossy, grainy mixture. If you tilt the bowl, the mixture should slowly slide down the sides of the bowl. Or, scoop up some of the mixture and let it fall back into the bowl. It should fall in a thick ribbon that holds its shape on the surface of the mixture for a second or two, and then slowly “melts” back into the bowl.
3. Fit a large pastry bag with a round tip, fill with the mixture, and pipe 1 inch circles—2 centimeters apart—on 3-4 Silpat lined baking trays. Allow the macarons to set out at room temperature for 2-3 hours (this drying process is crucial, as this is what creates the smooth top, and the characteristic ruffled foot on the bottom of each cookie half). Set the oven to 250 degrees. Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until crisp but not brown. Allow to cool completely on the baking sheets. Gently twist each cookie half to release it from the baking sheet. Fill cookies with strawberry buttercream filling.
strawberry buttercream filling:
3 large strawberries at room temperature
1 stick butter, at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3-4 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon heavy cream
1 drop pink food coloring (all natural, if possible)
In a food processor, pulse strawberries until pureed. Add in butter and vanilla, and about 2 cups of the sugar. Pulse until well combined. Incorporate cream. Add in small amounts of powdered sugar, pulsing after each addition, to reach the desired consistency. Add in food coloring. Frosting should be smooth and soft, yet hold its shape.
68 Responses to “strawberry macarons”
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Hi Jaime,
Those macarons are so adorable and dreamy!
Thank you for sharing your story. Your daughter is so lucky to have a thoughtful mom like you. Pink is absolutely the color that makes me happy and reminds me that I’m a girl
Oh my goodness, these look amazing! I love pink, it will be the color of my wedding dress if I ever get hitched. Thanks for the recipe!
These are just beautiful! You’ve definitely got me “thinking pink”. My first bedroom (that I had to myself) was a very pale pink, which I loved.
These are beautiful. Best thing ever, waking up to this.
Pink reminds me of when my 11 year old, who now thinks she is old enough to wear a bikini, was a sweet, innocent little girl!
Kathy—pale pink is my favorite. The carpet in a room in the building I was married in was a very pale pink–an ice pink. I love that room.
Jen a the Three Little Pigs—my heart goes out to you. Mine is almost 8, and just went and got her ears pierced. Ugh!
Aw, Kate, thank you! Glad they made you happy.
Thank you, Noriko, you’re so nice.
And Veronica—my best wishes go out to you and your love life.
That color pink reminds me of cotton candy, that pure sugary goodness that I loved to watch being spun when I was little.
These are so cute! Pink makes me think of little baby girls in pink flowery dresses with bows. I want a new baby, can you tell?
So pretty!
I’m so happy right now I could cry. Gorgeous, Jaime!
Yes, don’t you love cotton candy? It is one of those food miracles, like marshmallows or lemon delicious. Thanks, Sylvie.
Oh, I always wanted another girl, too, Angie. My daughter keeps asking me for one for Christmas. I keep telling her it doesn’t work that way.
Thanks, Maria!
Hahaha! You’re hilarious, Brooke! Thank you!
Pink is my color. When I bought my first place, I painted the walls pink. It was MY place and I didn’t have to ask any one for their opinon. My Pink Palace. I now live with a 6-yr-old boy who frowns at pink… there isn’t much pink in my life, except when he brings me something pink, because he knows I love Pink.
Too pretty to eat!
Love these pretty in pink macarons! I too struggle with that fun type stuff, but it is FUN
These look stunning!
I think pink… I have a pink ribbon tattooed on my left wrist since my mom had breast cancer. But pink relates to me on so many levels.. pink pail polish, my wristlet, my iphone case, etc. I let little bits of pink in my life here and there.
Pretty. I love making strawberry macarons too.
Wow! I saw your tweet about macarons and was going to suggest you come eat some at La Duree.
Having now seen your results, I’m hopping a plane from Paris to come eat yours. They look fabulous!
These look SO adorable. Pink absolutley means little girls. When we were living in NYC I had three of them in one little bedroom, and yes it was painted PINK! with pink Laura Ashley ballerina bedcovers and curtains!
Mary
These are beautiful! I was wondering if the recipe calls for just one egg white since you refer to the “eggs” when beating? I am excited to try these!
Wow, Vanessa! You’re right! I wrote out the recipe at one in the morning. Thanks for catching that. Off to fix it right now.
Aw, Carina, I think that’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said! You’d be welcome anytime!
Gorgeous, Jaime! I can totally relate to the world of pink! Your macarons are so gorgeous. I’ve never tried making macarons…ever! You make it look so simple & effortless. Love them! xo
Those are beautiful, Jaime! The color pink will always remind me of my grandma who grew the most beautiful pink roses. She was a little farm girl from Wyoming but was one of the most ladylike, elegant women I have ever met. I guess pink to me embodies her strength and femininity.
What a lovely memory. Thanks, Becca.
And Rosie, they’d be a complete and total cinch for someone as talented as you!
That looks wonderful. My aunt is actually walking in our local beast cancer walk this weekend. Unfortunately, I am unable to particate this year. She would love these.
I LOVE pale pink and hate the thought that my girls (11 & 9 yrs.) are growing up, becoming tweens, and think pink is for “babies”! Pink is soft and feminine! I am a Stake Young Women’s leader and last year, they changed the Personal Progress and Journals for our Young Women to pink to remind them that in a society that tells them to be strong and independent, it’s still okay to be soft & feminine and that they our daughters of God. I made your vanilla cupcakes with the strawberry buttercream frosting…big hit! Now, I will sum up the courage the make these lovely macaroons!
Oop! I mistyped “macarons”!
Beautiful, just beautiful. I have yet to attempt the elusive macaron…soon..
Oh my gosh, this is perfect. I’m throwing a baby shower for my girlfriend next month and the color theme is pastel pink and sage green for brunch… these look so delicious and are perfect finger size.
I tried macarons twice last week (read: procrastinating from coursework) and the first time they turned out horribly, second time, no feet but a good shape and they stuck to the tray!
I made macaroons once a few months ago and they turned out perfect! I have no idea how. *sigh*
[...] than using the recipe I initially found on Sophistimom.com (mainly because I didn’t have the patience to let the egg whites sit overnight, and I have no [...]
[...] macarons—Want the secret to making these little gems? It’s all in the food processor. [...]
Beautiful. I’m glad you use the French method rather than the Italian method. I’ve never heard of adding strawberry flavor as a liquid. I’ve used the freeze-dried strawberries at Trader Joe’s and pulverized them with my almonds. It pairs well with a pistachio buttercream too.
I totally agree, Kelli. The freeze dried fruit is so much better. When I went to my cupboard to get out the strawberries, I found they were all gone.
Hi!
wow you are an amazing mother.
I was just wondering…
Where can you get almond flour or blanched almond????
Can you make them????
Thanks:)
Thanks for stopping by my blog about the post it note! Have been salivating over yours for 10 minutes now.. am a foodie at heart, you make it look SO good, am now thinking of a tomato herb sandwich with goat cheese for lunch. Sigh.
hey , this post on the pink cookies! Love it. It is breast cancer awaremeness month- and these would be great to give as a gift or bring to an event! you should recirculate this recipe now- just a thought i couldn’t help but share. take care!
special needs mom
Hi, I was wondering why you said not to fold the mixture but to stir it like stirring a brownie mix, because I always fold mine like most recipes suggest to..
thanks!
and they look perfect btw!
Macarons are one of those things that have to be done just right, or they don’t work. I used to always fold mine as well, but then I read a recipe from an Australian website once (which now I can’t find—sorry) that said to “use a heavy hand” instead of folding. When I tried their instruction, it worked, so I’ve stuck to it. The ones I had been making before were too delicate, whereas the “heavy hand” method were more consistent and reliable.
Thanks for a great question, Praisy!
[...] Cookie Crisp Sandwich from Best Friends For Frosting Oatmeal Cream Pies from My Kitchen Bucket List Strawberry Macarons from Sophistimom YUM. TIP FOR FILLINGS: Put filling into a ziploc bag, close the bag, and cut a [...]
[...] I had to make the filling twice, using a different recipe the second time. Using the first recipe (here), I made the pink colored shells. When I try to make the filling, alas, it did not have the right [...]
how many macaroons does this recipe make?
Justanotherone—Good question. I think it makes about 15 small macarons
So I tried making these today, and they tasted fantastic. The only problems I had were that the macaroons would crack when I popped them into the oven and when I tried to get them off the tray, they became stuck. Could you possibly tell me what I did wrong?
Amanda-Jane—two things that I always make sure of when I make macarons are: First, that they dry before I put them in–I should be able to very lightly touch the tops of the unbaked macarons, and my finger shouldn’t stick to them at all–they should basically feel smooth and dry. Secondly, They have to be cooled enough to be able to twist off the cookies. They need to come to room temperature before taking the macarons off the baking sheet.
If I’ve done that, and they are still sticking to the pan, it may be because my silicone baking sheet isn’t slick enough, or it could be because I didn’t cook the macarons long enough.
But I think the reason they cracked might be because they weren’t dry enough when they went in.
Can you tell me what size tip you used? Brand? Diameter of the tip? I went into the store and was overwhelmed by the different sizes.