In 2009, we were privileged enough to take a trip to France, and to top it off, visit my best friend, Casey, and her husband, who were living in Paris.
Casey, Antoine, Todd, and I out in Paris
I had my first legitimate macaron experience in Paris. Casey wanted us to have a true Parisian experience, so we had macarons from Laduree on the Champs d’Elysee in Paris. It just can’t be any more authentic than that. I was amazed at that bakery, and intimidated at the same time.
Todd, myself, and my parents enjoying our Laduree macarons at Starbucks in Paris
Casey and her French husband, Antoine, knew I loved to bake, and tried to coax me into figuring out how to make these delights and sell them in the US. I thought it would be impossible, because they are finicky, delicate desserts and difficult to bake.
Then, I got it. After a few trials, I got it. My first French macaron success was with coffee flavored ones (seen below) made for a girls night out. I didn’t know if they were tasty until I took them to dinner and the girls continued to talk about them for a week. They convinced me that they actually liked them, and weren’t just being flattering friends.
Confession – Compliments from people about my cooking are my favorite, so this macaron admiration absolutely warmed my heart.
Since then, my American, Southern kitchen has truly made a home for these French treasures.
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