Even if macarons have been the new cupcake for a while now, they are pretty new to me. In fact, I didn’t even know what they were a couple of years ago. I had seen them, but their neon colors didn’t seem quite that appetizing. It wasn’t until last year that I tried my first one at Cocola because my friend Sashee had just come back from Paris raving about Laduree’s macarons (of course, she said Laduree’s were better).
Recently, a macaron craving has hit me like a ton of bricks, and it makes me remember what it feels like to have a grade-school crush. These delicate cookies make me feel giddy inside, and I just want to chase them all around the playground while simultaneously denying any interest in them. Because while they’re perfectly sweet with a wonderfully crispy, chewy texture, they’re not the cheapest cookies on the block. But they’re so good! One day soon, I’ll have to try Laduree’s famous macarons, but until then, I’m slowly trying all the macarons the Bay Area has to offer. Pamplemousse in Redwood City makes a mighty mean salted caramel. My other favorites were the pistachio and the cassis (black currant). The strawberry tasted a little bit too artificial for my liking, but it was still pretty tasty. My least favorite was probably the Mayan chocolate. With its spicy kick, it reminded me a little bit too much of a Hot Tamales. Overall though, I’d never say no to a Pamplemousse macaron!
I think I still love mini cupcakes the best…BUT we had some amazing macaroons at Bottega Louie's on Saturday night- they had sprinkles on them, so I was sold right away. p.s. cute photos =)
sprinkles definitely do make everything taste better! 🙂
The first macaron I ever ate was in Montmartre district of Paris. I'll never forget it. So perfect!
We took a little bag of those brightly colored goodies back to our hotel room. We sat in bed eating macarons watching the sunset over Paris. Pinch me, that didn't really happen, right? Sigh… good times. 🙂
omg, i am so envious! that sounds amazing. i need to get to europe sooner rather than later.
This post made me laugh out loud! Just yesterday I was talking to someone about my love for macarons and how I'm on a quest to find LA's best macaron. It's too bad we are no longer roommates. haha
it's become a slight obsession haha
It's hard to beat the frosting on the cupcakes, I just have to say. The colors of these macaroons are fabulous, though, and would entice me to eat them anyway!
Your title makes me go "traitor!"
Hehe, but yeah French Macaroons are pretty awesome. They are not, however, easy to bake!
I love macarons! The first one I ever tried was properly from France: A friend who was leaving a short trip there to stay with me in England asked if there was anything I wanted… so I asked for a macaron, of course. It was pistachio and oh-so-amazing. I've yet to try another as soft and delicate as that one, but I'm up for the challenge ;.)
Can't wait to see the different places you find – and to try them myself once you've found some top contenders!
breenuh, i try not to get jealous, but i can't help but be jealous of anyone who's eaten a proper french macaron! so lucky! 🙂