Tuesday, April 1, 2008

visions of macarons*


So, I was thinking of writing an April Fool's post that was positively dripping with sweetness and light (though, on reflection, I'm not sure if something can drip with light). But I decided that it was going to be far too difficult to make it sufficiently over-the-top that it would be clear that, unlikely as it seems, I hadn't just adopted a, you know, positive mental attitude. Also (and I'm not really expecting any sympathy for this), I'm frantically trying to finish up a number of long-postponed projects before I leave for Paris on Saturday.

There are lots of things I'm looking forward to doing and seeing in Paris, but, I admit, what I'm mostly thinking about are macarons. Macarons, not to be confused with macaroons, are sort of Parisian oreos -- brightly colored meringue-like cookies filled with creamy ganache. And, luckily, one of the best-known macaron merchants has a shop just around the corner from our apartment.




*The picture is a public domain photo from the wikipedia article on macarons. Read it at your own risk, since, for reasons unclear to me, its neutrality is disputed.

35 comments:

Anonymous said...

do those things change the color of your...you know?

Anonymous said...

Well, I've been educated - those are definitely what I would call a macaroon, not those cakeycrumby things.

Tash said...

Am I reading the dispute right? It could be Italian in origin and not French? Wiki cracks me up. You are bringing back some for everyone here, yes?

luna said...

oh my, those things are simply heavenly, my faves were just the plain vanille -- like a cloud -- though I've never had the figue, mmm. ah paris! how long will you be there? sounds like you already know just where to go, but if you love chocolate, you must try the chocolat at cafe angelina across from the tuileries -- heaven in a cup. (just know I *never* start a sentence with "you must" do *anything*...) enjoy et bon voyage!

Unknown said...

If you love the macarons from La Durée, try Pierre Hermés' macarons - possibly even better!

Magpie said...

I think perhaps the right kind of crystal chandelier could be dripping with light.

I could use a pile of those lemon ones. Mmm. Fig/Hibiscus? Maybe not.

Have a wonderful trip.

christina(apronstrings) said...

ewww, i am very much looking forward to your paris posts! twice in less than a year. i am so jealous. need company??

cinnamon gurl said...

Ooh, I love it when you blog from Paris... have fun and good luck getting everything done! Sometimes I think the run-up to a vacation could be more stressful than not taking a vacation at all.

EmmaL said...

Those sound yummy! I hope you have a fabulous trip and I hope you post beautiful photos of Paris. I loved your idea of posting a positive post for April Fools by the way. I was trying to think of something I could do. Fake quit my job - freak everyone out? They would have a heart attack!

Anonymous said...

I cannot muster any sympathy for someone who is shortly going to be leaving for Paris.

Aurelia said...

Since I have never travelled to Paris and have no hope of doing so in the future, I will instead descend into snark.

http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.wordpress.com/2008/03/24/white-spots-paris/

Aurelia said...

Argh, I am no good at leaving links. trying again.

http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.wordpress.com/2008/03/24/
white-spots-paris/

c. said...

Paris? Ooooh. I'm filled with green macaroon envy.

kate said...

Someday i will make my OWN macarons.

I always liked Gerard Mulot, which is on Rue de Seine in the 6th. Right next to a big Natalys, though.

Julia said...

Those look like I shouldn't be allowed anywhere near them, at least for now. Either that, or they should come with a free shot of insulin...

The one time we were in Paris for like 24 hrs, I had no idea these existed. A pity, that. Will have to fix that next time.

Unknown said...

Ah, the controversial world of macarons. They look like small play-dough hamburgers, but I have a feeling they taste a lot better than that. Have a wonderful time in Paris. I look forward to many beautiful photos when you return.

Aunt Becky said...

And I was *so* looking forward to this post.

Clementine said...

A local chocolate shop sells those; they call them Luxembourgers. They're divine!

wannabe mom said...

*mouth watering can't speak*

Maggie said...

Yum! And I agree - I can't wait to see what you take pictures of in Paris! I'm totally jealous!

Unknown said...

I'm not that big a fan of macarons but man, does La Duree make wonderful ones! I ate the whole bag myself, after thinking, "Macarons? What happened to chocolate?" They are sooo good.

Rachel said...

Yum.

I totally avoid April Fool's day, though today did sort of seem like a joke. Work was nuts.

I'm so excited for you and your trip to Paris. Relax for me.

Bon said...

i went to Paris and never ate me any macarons. now i feel like a life, wasted. :)

CLC said...

I am so jealous you are going to Paris. How exciting. How long are you going for? Can't wait to see the pix.

Christine said...

those look yummy. REALLY YUMMY.

enjoy paris, friend.

thailandchani said...

Safe travels to you... just in case you don't blog before then. :)

Pamela T. said...

No way! I'll be in Paris in mid-April... maracons - just one more thing to look forward to. Yum.

thirtysomething said...

Well, you did a fine job at writing that 'dripping' post...my mouth is just dripping with lust for a taste of one of those! YUM...

allypally said...

Dites moi si vous venez à Bruxelles.

Minnesota Matron said...

Yes. . between your photo of the beautiful bud that hints of spring and the trip to Paris, the Matron is all aflutter with concern that you get all projects done by Saturday. In the meantime, some of us live in: Minnesota. Where there is snow on the ground and Paris means Hilton to most natives under 30. It's a strange sad piece of the planet sometimes.

Amelie said...

Those colors, wow. Enjoy Paris!

painted maypole said...

why are you always flying off to paris?

Dr. Grumbles said...

why do European sweets always look better our American processed crap?

Mmmm....macarons...

niobe said...

Painted Maypole: One word. MACARONS!!!!!

Antigone said...

yum yum yum. I worked in Germany for a spell and lived off of sweets.