The Irresistible Appeal of Macarons: Exploring Their History and Varieties

Macarons are small, round French cookies made by sandwiching fillings such as jam, ganache or buttercream between meringue shells. A recent incident drew attention after someone ate 10 macarons in one sitting and was called out on a restaurant owner's Instagram account. Let's explore the irresistible appeal of macarons—once you take a bite, it is hard to stop.

What Are Macarons?

Macarons are one of France's signature cookies. Their name and main ingredients suggest Italian influence, but the modern form is the Parisian style developed by the pastry shop Ladurée in the early 20th century.

The History of Macarons

The first theory about the origin of macarons holds that Catherine de' Medici of Italy introduced them to France when she married Henry II of France in 1533. Catherine de' Medici traveled to France with Italian chefs, who introduced a variety of Italian dishes and culinary techniques. Many kinds of Italian cuisine are believed to have reached France at this time.

Types of Macarons

French people eat many cookies made with almonds and sugar, including macarons. Regional varieties include those from Nancy, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Amiens, Montmorillon and Cormery. Unlike Parisian macarons, Nancy macarons are distinguished by their uneven surfaces. Nancy is the home of Les Sœurs Macarons, made famous when two nuns, Marguerite and Marie-Elisabeth, began making and selling them.

Saint-Jean-de-Luz macarons are small and have a strong almond aroma. Amiens macarons, from the Amiens region of northern France, are round, biscuit-style confections made with almond paste, fruit and honey. Montmorillon, home to a macaron museum, has made macarons from the same recipe for 150 years. Cormery macarons are distinguished by a small hole resembling a navel.

How to Eat Macarons

Macarons are eaten with tea or coffee as a dessert or snack. They are also served with champagne at weddings, engagement parties and other celebrations. Most are bite-sized and eaten by hand.

[FamTimes = Reporter Wi A-ram]