Macaron

Macaron has always been a centre of gastronomic attraction all over the world. Its smooth and crisp shell and soft center with a filling of a flavoured ganache has attracted many young chefs to try their hand in perfecting the art of making a perfect macaron.

As far the history goes, 'Gerbet' or the 'Paris macaron' as it was initially called, has been claimed to have invented by both French and Italians. Though Larousse Gastronomique writes about its invention in central Franch in 8th century, the exact details are still not known.

Essentially almond powder being the principal ingredient, it is supported by meringue (egg whites and sugar whisked together) and of course skillfull 'crouting' or drying the macaron before the baking gives the characteristic cracks.

Though every one has their own recipe for the delicacy, French macaron are considered the best in the world. With places like Fauchon, Laduree and Pierre Herme; Macaron has been given a new style with every passing day.

My interest in the little monster started when I got the chance to browse through the copy of book from Lenotre some years back and since then I have been trying my hand and taste buds in making and tasting them wherever I travel.

Recently was in the Ion Orchard at Singapore and saw this stratigically located tea shop at the second level which reminded me of a Victorian high tea place. TWG tea salon serves a wide range of tastefully selected Macarons. Flavours ranging from Caramel, mint, lemon to rose and chocolate, the macarons at TWG are just the right texture, crisp shell and soft and chewy center with the burst of right flavours. Unlike other macaron boutiques, you can buy a macaron at a very competitive price of SGD 2 and a box of a six will just cost you SGD 12. A must go place for good macarons.

Just like any other classic, it too has its own variations, most of which exists in France. With fillings ranging from nut based to simple ganaches and buttercream, you will find Macaron changing from shop to shop and town to town. 'Makaron' is the Japanese version where the almond meal is replace by peanut powder and served extensively in the northern town of Sendai.

And it goes on and on...hope to find more soon....