Guest: That Skinny Chick Can Bake!
That Skinny Chick Can Bake & Mad About Macarons
My husband might call me a big fat fibber if I called myself frugal…though he’s definitely smart enough not to say this to my face. But I DO love a freebie and a bargain…and I enter every blog contest I run across. I’d been dying for my sweet blogger friend’s cookbook, Mad About Macarons…and I had it on my Amazon wish list. I decided to take one more chance; and if I didn’t win, I’d click that “Buy Now” button. I may have a wee bit of thriftiness in my blood (stop laughing people that know me!!!), but I never said I was patient.
Mad About Macarons - Jill Colonna
My friend, Ky, from Free Spirit Eater had a contest on her blog: name her new column to be featured on Bromography, another favorite site, and win a copy of Jill’s fabulous cookbook. Well, I enlisted my family’s help and brainstormed. Bill was the one who came up with the winning name…he is an awfully good sport. Kymberlee’s Free Spirit Eater: Advice You Can Chew On was born, and my cookbook was on its way.
I must admit, it was a mad sort of day…I was assembling a Death by Chocolate Cake for my book club that night. This particular cake called for 44 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate and was composed of 6 different recipes which combined to make a magnificent cake. BUT it just happened my egg whites were aged perfectly…and my youngest son and I were heading out of town for a college visit the next day. What’s a girl to do???? Make the macarons, of course…despite the heat index being 110º…not ideal weather for whipping egg whites.
For those of you that don’t know about macarons…well, they’re all the rage. Egg whites are aged in the refrigerator for about 4-5 days for the best results. They are whipped, then sugar and almond flour are added. Coloring and flavorings may also be incorporated. Little mounds are piped onto a cookie sheet, then baked to puffy perfection. After filling with frosting, ganache, jam, etc. they are allowed to rest in the fridge overnight to allow the filling flavor to infuse into the cookies.
Well, I took the plunge…I made Jill’s basic vanilla macarons, using the seeds from one vanilla bean pod for flavoring. I added an uninspired, yet delicious, semi-sweet chocolate ganache as the filling. I was doing a happy dance when the first batch came out of the oven with feet!!! A sure sign that I hadn’t messed these up! Hooray!
They were nearly impossible to photograph in the heat…the ganache wasn’t thrilled to be outside, but looks aren’t everything. Now for the taste test. I packed up a box to take to Nashville for my dear cousin who we’d see before touring Vanderbilt…and left the rest at home. Apparently, my pickiest child had found a new favorite treat…Miss Katie ate all the home supply while we were away! And lucky for us, but unlucky for my cousin, she didn’t get her gift as they stayed in our hotel room and returned home in the cooler. Maybe subconsciously I knew that I wouldn’t even get a sample if I gave half away. Nope, just a ditz. But I was relieved I got a taste of these melt in your mouth gems. Now that I know how easy these are to prepare, I’ll be dreaming up something more exotic…but I know Katie will be asking for this version again.
Thank you, Kymberlee, Elle and Jill!!!! If you’d like to make your own macarons, which I highly recommend, please buy your own copy of Mad About Macarons…or borrow mine, but not for long!!!!
–
Liz~
That Skinny Chick Can Bake!
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How nice to see you Lizzy on this blog as a guest post. Love your beautiful macarons, I have yet to make mine, after winning Jill’s giveaway book. Never made macarons yet. Yours is superb!
xoxo
They came out perfect .. nice and neat
good work on that!
Here from that skinny chick recipe blog love these mac’s great job to both of your blogs looks like a great book too!
Claudia Lamascolo recently posted..Italian Style Zucchini Crudo Vinaigrette Salad
I have never made macaroons, this post inspires me to attempt. I didn’t realise its better to age the egg whites for 4-5 days. So a good macaroon does require many days planning in advance, unfortunately the end result disappears faster than the speed of light!
Hi Liz,
Your macarons look fantastic!
How fun to see you here…congratulations on winning the book
Magic of Spice recently posted..What’s for dessert? Dragon Fruit and Coconut Cream Sherbet
These look gorgeous! Well done, and amazing for a first attempt too! A testament to how incredible Jill’s book is
Jacqueline – The Dusty Baker recently posted..American Noir Cupcakes – A Tribute to Raymond Chandler’s “The Big Sleep”
Wow, Liz…yum!! These are perfect!!
Oh, gosh! Thanks for all the sweet comments! I have such wonderful blogger friends
Liz recently posted..Triple Chocolate Brownie Cookies~
Beautiful macaroons!
Liz and Elle…this was such a great post! Liz…your macarons are just beautiful! Sweet perfection! I did buy Jill’s book. And it is awesome…just as she is! I see many macarons in our future! : )
Anne@frommysweetheart recently posted..Honey Figs with Sweet Mascarpone Cream
The macaroons look incredible and congratulations on winning the book! The column name is catchy and perfect! I love it!
Ann recently posted..Blondies Just Got A Healthy Makeover!
Bravo on a winning the book and on those beautiful macarons. I’m also glad that you were able to taste one before they were all devoured (that was pretty funny).
The Mom Chef ~ Taking on Magazines One Recipe at a Time recently posted..Ratatouille from Cook’s Illustrated Magazine – Summer Grilling, 2011
Yay, Lizzy, you made macarons! I want Jill’s book so badly and have been waffling about buying it. I enter every contest where you can win it, but no luck yet!
Carolyn recently posted..Mushroom Brie Omelet and a Giveaway!
Wonderful post. I really enjoyed reading this post. I love both blogs. I don’t have this cookbook in my collection, I need to buy this cookbook soon. Thanks, y’all!
Christine recently posted..Pesto
These look perfect! Wonderful job Liz!
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes and Desserts recently posted..Margarita Cupcakes
So many bloggers i know swear by jill’s book and say it is the best macaron book ever. I need to get on this macaron bandwagon and get a book too coz those macarons in liz’s picture look perfect!
I really enjoyed reading this post and finding out a little bit of background about some fellow bloggers. I will be on the lookout for the macaron book, it sounds to be quite helpful. Great post!
Tina@flourtrader recently posted..Chocolate Cinnamon Cookies
Not one, not two, but THREE of my favourite blogs in one delicious hit. Wonderful hosts in Kymberlee and Elle, wonderful article by Liz and wonderful book by Jill. I really am having a great day.
Hester Casey – Alchemy recently posted..Smoked Bacon and Mushroom Chowder – Fuel for Dancing at the Crossroads
Liz! So jealous! I want a copy of that book too! Well I’ll have to order it soon I guess! We are macaron mad up here! Great article and glad you got a chance to make them. They are pretty easy, aren’t they?
hugs,
Vicki
Oh my! What a wonderful surprise to read this. Can’t tell you how happy I am to hear you’re macaron smitten, Liz – and I bet you’re heading for many macaron orders! Lovely article, Liz and Elle. Jill xo
Jill Colonna recently posted..Guest Recipe: Rum and Toasted Coconut Ice Cream (low carb/gluten free)
Thanks so much for the opportunity, Elle! I’m delighted to be a part of your wonderful blog today
We are pleased to have you! Your idea (or your husband’s) was exactly what we were looking for. I am glad that you are enjoying Jill’s great book.