Good Morning, Darlings!
I like to consider myself fairly well traveled, but my knowledge of the French macaron is next to nil. In my mind, macarons are delightful coconut confections, preferably sold by Godiva. This past Sunday I received quite the education.
Gathered in my kitchen were quite the blogger elite, brought together by none other than the fabulous Tami Hardeman of Running With Tweezers. For starters, the class was being taught by the incredible Helen, most notably known as Tartlette. Helen’s blog is a sensory delight. The recipes are divine, but oh, that photography…..it is so swoon worthy! And here she was, in my kitchen, teaching a class about this french confection. Also on hand were Angie from Bakerella (you all read Bakerella, right? if not, you should!), Shameeka from The Broke Socialite, the adorable Paula from Bell’alimento (wearing the cutest apron that matched my website!), dear Tina from Hopeless Foodie, Jennifer – aka The Blissful Glutton (I love this girl!), bubbly Susan from The Frugal Hostess, Emily of Ultra Foodie and The Poodle Revolution, sweet Wendy from Atlanta Events (follow her on twitter here), darling Katie, Jennifer, Karen, bestie Lisa and golly, I know I’m forgetting folks, so if you want to stop by with a comment, please leave your link for all of us!
And I have no idea how she was still going after orchestrating Sugar Coma the day before, but our darling Shameeka helped sponsor this event with the help of Barefoot Wines and Whole Foods. She hauled a case of bubbly to my house along with several trays just laden with savory goodies. You are everyone’s Fairy Godmother!
In total, I would say we had about 12 very excited women there to learn all about demystifying the french macaron (and yes, that is the correct spelling). After a few bellinis and plates of really yummy sandwiches, cheeses and veggies and getting to know one another, Helen was ready to begin this sold out class. Everyone was eager to start.
There was so much going on in my kitchen, I’m sure I missed a bundle, but I do know that your macarons need “legs” if they are to be correct. Here is Helen’s recipe. I could post it here, but going to her site is such a treat, I don’t want you to miss it.
With 12 ladies all trying to bake their macarons, we had plenty of time to get to know one another. I am continually surprised and delighted by all the new friends I have made because of blogging. It’s mindblowing.
And now, for the photos:
Chilling The Bubbly - Thank You Shameeka!
Time To Nosh!
Wendy, Susan, Katie & Jennifer
Fabulous Gift Bags From Helen!
The History of Macarons, As Told By Helen
Getting The Egg Whites Just Right
Helen and Paula
Baking Sheets Ready for Piping
Jennifer and Wendy Getting Ready To Pipe
Macarons Fresh From The Oven
Helen's Perfect Macaron
Angie, Tami and Shameeka
Angie and Me
Beautiful Gift Box Filled With Confections!
So don’t be afraid, my darlings. Helen will walk you through the process and you will look like the star I know you are.
xoxo, Patti
these look fantastic! so great that blogger elite could all converge and make some tasty treats. i’m a bit daunted by the task of making macarons but maybe i’ll try one day. wonderful post & great pics!
I wanted to be there! Great post! It looks like it was a lot of fun!
Patti you are such a doll for hosting! Mwah! It was so much fun learning to make our Macarons by the oh so sweet Helen! & of course esp great to mingle with everyone! Tami & Shameeka did an amazing job orgazing as well! Hope to see you all again soon! xoxo Paula
Next time!
Paula, I loved meeting you! You are the sweetest.
This was, indeed, a fabulous day. Thank you for your openness, hospitality, and generosity – everyone had a wonderful time! 🙂
Tami, It was so much fun having everyone here! It was my pleasure and you must know…..anything for you!! xoxo, P
Looks like your class was a blast! What a great group you had.
I thought the French spelling was MACRON. Am I wrong ?
Marion,
The French spelling is macaron. The english macaroon, is usually made with shredded coconut.
Have a great day!
Patti