For any dessert lover, a trip to Paris is not complete without tasting a genuine macaron - the quintessential French cookie! (Not to be mistaken for the American coconut flavored macaroon). The basic formula for this dessert is pretty much the same wherever you go: a ganache filling sandwiched between two small almond-base meringue cookies. However, despite the simple ingredients, it is surprisingly difficult to find the allusive Parisian pastry, a tasty macaron. The consistency, shape, flavor pairings, circumference size, and thickness all come into question in achieving the delicate balance between texture and flavor.
Although macarons are sold in most bakeries throughout Paris and even at McDonalds, you need to dig a little deeper for the authentic gems. The following shops are the best Paris has to offer.
Laduree
Ladureeis the original creator of macarons. It is safe to say that this shop is themost renowned sweet shop in Paris, and possibly in the world. The macaronsrange from classic flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, and salted caramel torose, orange blossom, and even licorice. The outer cookie layers are crunchy,giving a strong meringue taste that contrasts perfectly with the silky filling.The layer of filling is flavorful but light and more jam-like than buttery.These melt seamlessly on your tongue, as though you just consumed a sugar-spuncloud.
Not to Miss: Teatime offers the full Laduree experience. The décor of the shops and attachedtea salon are reminiscent of Coppola's Marie Antoinette and you will truly feellike a royal when served dainty and intricate pastries on beautiful ceramics.Also, the arrangement of the macarons is a sight to see, even for those who donot necessarily like the taste.
Pierre Herme
PierreHerme macarons are good enough to rival Laduree's. These macarons are apersonal favorite. The ganache is thick and smooth, while the outer meringue issoft almost like a cake rather than a cookie. The filling is rich but notheavy, retaining the trademark macaron airiness leaving you cravinganother. Pierre Herme was also the first to create interesting flavorcombinations that sound unappealing but mix flawlessly like strawberry wasabi,chocolate foie gras, and asparagus olive oil.
Not to miss: Thisgenius patisseur started "le jour du macaron" - the day of macarons -which falls every year on March 20. Pierre Herme shops and other select patisseriesgive out free macarons and ask for donations in order to raise money andawareness for the charity Federation des Maladies Orphelines.
Pain de Sucre
Thisbakery is renowned for its creative and tasty pastries. The macarons are justas unconventional. The flavors are unique and incorporate interestingingredients such as Morello cherry with pistachio. They also sell savorymacarons. An interesting combination is the angelica root and goat cheesemacaron. Be prepared to wait as there is always a line that spills out on tothe streets and the store is often closed.
Not to miss: Longmacarons called Krac Krac that come in various flavors.
Gérard Mulot
GérardMulot makes all the traditional flavors such as chocolate and raspberry, butalso offers seasonal specials such as Chestnut or Cassis in the winter andfall, and cherry, banana and mint for the spring and summer months. Themacarons are crunchier and sweeter than the average macaron and will trulysatisfy any one with a sweet tooth. Another unique element is that the outsideshell is chubby and unlike the typical macaron, it is grainier on thesurface with bits of the flavor's raw ingredient coating the shell.
Not to miss:Order a big lemon macaron, which is filled with lemon curd rather than lemonflavored ganache.
Sadaharu Aoki
Thisbakery combines tastes from the two greatest culinary capitals of the world:Japan and France. Parisian fare can be extremely heavy,especially for those whose stomachs are not adjusted to the rich cuisine. Ifyou want a snack or a dessert but want to avoid traditional butter lavishedsweets, you should definitely check out this Paris patisserie shop. Likeanything Japanese, the macarons are beautifully crafted and very petite. Theyare the smallest in circumference and in thickness, so you can pop it in yourmouth and enjoy the soft airy taste of a macaron while avoiding a terriblestomachache.
Not to miss:Anything green tea, especially thegreen tea macarons, which are made from authentic matcha (Japanese green tea)and are not sold elsewhere.
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