Everything you need to know about macaron preparation and fillings

Macarons are true little masterpieces from the pastry kitchen that have become extremely popular in recent years. The delicate colored shells, which hide a delicious creamy filling, have won the hearts of gourmets all over the world.

Although their appearance is elegant and sophisticated, many wonder whether their preparation is as complicated as it seems.

In this article, we'll explore everything about macaroons - from their history to the secrets of perfect preparation and the best ideas for fillings that will make them even more delicious.

From Italy to France

Macarons as we know them today originated in France, but their history is much more complex. Their origins date back to Italy, as far back as the Renaissance when almond biscuits were popular among Italian noblemen.

The name ''maccherone'' is said to derive from the Italian word for ''fine dough''. When Catherine de Medici became Queen of France in 1533, she brought Italian confectionery to France, where maccheroni evolved into the more sophisticated version we know today.

The real boom came in the 19th century when French pastry chefs began to create versions with two biscuits, between which a cream filling was added. This version is known today as the ''macaron Parisien'' or ''macaron Parisien'' and is the one that has taken the world by storm.

Tricks for the perfect macaron: What do you need to know?

Making macarons has a few key steps that you need to master if you want to achieve perfect results. Although they may seem complicated at first, these tricks will help you avoid the most common mistakes.

1. Stick to the recipe exactly

When making macarons, precision is key. Measuring "by eye" is not an option - it is best to use a weighing scale to measure out the ingredients precisely, as the ratio of ingredients is important for the structure and texture of the macarons. Incorrectly measured ingredients can cause the shells to not have the right texture.

2. The ingredients should be at room temperature

One of the key steps in making perfect macarons is to ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature. The egg whites must be whisked properly, which is only achieved if they are at room temperature. It is also important that the almond flour and sugar are well mixed so that the mixture is even and smooth.

3. Correct mixing technique (macaronage)

Mixing the macaron mixture (the so-called ''macaronage'' technique) is one of the most important steps in the preparation of macarons. If you stir too little, the mixture will be too thick, which will cause the macarons not to spread well. If you stir too much, the mixture will be too runny, and the macarons will not have the characteristic crispy shell. The aim is a smooth, shiny mixture.

4. Proper drying before baking

Before you put the macarons in the oven, you need to let the mixture dry on the baking tray for about 30-60 minutes, depending on the humidity of the room. This allows a thin crust to form on top, which is crucial for their characteristic appearance and texture. The dough should not stick to our fingers when we touch it; this is when we know they are sufficiently dried.

5. Baking at the right temperature

Baking macarons can be delicate. Too high an oven temperature can cause the shells to crack or rise too much, while too low a temperature will not produce the desired crispy crust. It is best to bake macarons at 150-160°C for about 12-15 minutes, but it is advisable to check how they are baking in between, as each oven works slightly differently.

Simplify your life with the BAM Macaron Mix.

Although preparing macarons requires some precision and patience, our BAM Macaron Mix can make the process much simpler. Our mix creates a pliable mass that is easy to shape and allows you to make about 20 perfect macarons.

Preparation is really easy - all you have to do is add water to the mixture, mix it, and shape the macarons. You don't have to worry about the exact proportions of the ingredients or the correct mixing technique, as the mix makes sure that the mixture is always perfect.

BAM Macaron Mix is universal and suitable for creating both classic and more exotic versions of macarons.

Ideas for the best macaron fillings

Macarons are wonderful on their own, but the real magic is in the fillings that make them even more delicious and interesting. You can adapt the fillings to your taste, the season, or a special occasion. Here are some of the most popular ideas for fillings that will take your macaroons to the next level.

Chocolate ganache

A classic that never disappoints is chocolate ganache. It''s made with a mixture of premium chocolate and sweet cream to create a smooth, creamy texture. You can experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark, milk, or white, and add flavorings such as vanilla or orange zest.

Buttercream with different flavors

Buttercream is another popular filling for macaroons. The basic recipe can be customized with any flavor you like - from classic vanilla, chocolate, and coffee to more exotic flavors like matcha, rose, or lavender. The advantage of buttercream is that you can also color it, allowing you to be even more creative.

Fruit jams and toppings

For a more refreshing taste, you can use a variety of fruit jams, marmalades, or purees. BAM strawberry jam with no added sugar makes for a juicy and healthier filling, while BAM passion fruit topping adds freshness and a little acidity to the macaroons, balancing the sweetness of the peel. It is just important that the fruit filling is not too runny, as it can make the macarons too soggy.

Hazelnut or almond cream

Nutty creams such as hazelnut or almond cream are also a great choice. BAM hazelnut spread with cocoa contains at least 50% of the best-roasted hazelnuts from Piedmont. The combination of nuts and chocolate gives the macaroons a rich, creamy flavor. The addition of BAM hazelnut paste makes the cream even better.

Cream cheese custard

Cream cheese can be used to make fillings that are slightly acidic but extremely creamy. This cream is great when combined with strawberries or blueberries, as it creates a fresh and balanced flavor. It can also be flavored with lemon zest or BAM vanilla paste for sweeter versions.

Making macaroons as a true art

Macarons are a truly special confection that combines elegance, sophistication, and taste. Although their preparation requires a little more care and precision, the reward is worth the effort.

With the right tricks and techniques, which we've revealed in this article, you too can make the perfect macaroons, just like the ones you admire in the windows of Parisian patisseries!