Are Macaroons The New Cupcakes ?

New York times ran an article about the supposedly fading fad of cupcakes. Fad? When I realized I have a cupcake obsession and made this post, I wasn't remotely aware that foodstuff could be fashion.

I am not ready to leave behind my newly discovered cupcake obsession and promise to serve it with every colorful, sugary, multi-colored candy sprinkle of my heart.

But...there is one question. If cupcakes are out, what will take it's place ? What could be as stylized, sweet and decadent ? What could be equaly delicious as an image on a bag or a shirt and gorgeously tasteful i the mouth. Just one thing sprang into my mind : Macaroons.






( Recipe for pink Macaroons above )

Dating back to the 18th century, the macaroon is made of egg whites, sugar and almond paste. This sweet pastry came out of the French courts' baker's oven as round meringues similar to today’s amaretti. Some say they originated during the Italian Renaissance hence the name Macaroon - Macaron.

In the beginning of the 20th century, Pierre Desfontaines Ladurée, had the idea to join two meringues and fill them with ganache. Today, these meringues are of endless colours and flavors and Ladurée still has it's macaroons as it's most famous creation. When visiting Paris, you have to stop at Ladurée, even if it is to just hover over their lush macaroon gift boxes and presentation. If Paris is too far away- which it probably is, you could alays order online. Try the Raspberry - Cassis flavor for a true essence of all that is Parisian or you could always try making them yourself with a few ideas here.


Other places you could go for a Macaroons - Macaron are:

Pierre Hermé in Paris and Tokyo for more innovative flavors ( I think they have a zucchini one...) and the delicately flavored, mini macaroons at Zurich's Confiserie Sprungli. These little sweets are pure heaven when combined with a cup of coffee at their cafe. I could eat them all day long and forever and ever and ever.

If, you just want to wear a Macaroon, because it is a fad after all , you could always try this delicious Antoinette's Tea Party - Mint Green Macaroon Necklace
( from hacCa's Etsy shop)

or this Macaron Bracelet
( from lepinkchocolat's shop at Etsy )

or even these French Macaron Soaps for your bathroom, but try not to eat:





( from naiad's shop at Etsy)

Whatever you do, I'm sure once you've tried them there's no going back. I would really like to re-unite the antagonistic Cupcake and Macaron one day in a...Macaron and Cupcake party but I'm wondering who would come.