Macarons: Fun Facts about the Colorful Cookie

It's likely if you have an Instagram or Pinterest account that you've seen pictures of these brightly colored cookies floating around. French macarons are not only pretty, but quite tasty. They're light, with a little bit of a crunch on the outside, giving way to a softer, meringue texture inside. Two small cookies make up a sandwich, filled with a firm, frosting type filling, enhancing the light flavor of the cookie.

Traditional macaron flavors are Vanilla, Lavender, Pistachio, and Berry, but can come in a variety of unique flavors including Nutella, Fruity Pebble, Birthday Cake, Cookies and Cream, S'mores, and Key Lime Pie. While I have my favorites, I have yet to taste a bad macaron.

Pictured macarons are lavender (purple), berry (pink), and vanilla (blue).

Despite being known as French macarons, these little cookies actually originated in Italy. They were first recorded to have been made by a chef of Catherine de Medicis in 1533, for her wedding to the Duc d'Orleans who later became the king of France, Henry II.

Fun facts:

• The word macaron means "fine dough"

• Macaron is pronounced mah-kah-rohn

• Macarons are naturally gluten free, since they are made with almond flour, and are frequently vegan as well.

• In Portugal, France, Belgium, and Australia, McDonald's sells macarons in their McCafés.

• NYC has an official Macaron Day, March 20th.

• In Paris, the most sold sweet is the macaron.

If you've never tried a macaron before, I would definitely encourage you too! You won't regret it.

(All pictures taken by me at For the Love of Sugar, Detroit, Michigan.)

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