Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Hazelnut Macaroons

We are 3 for 3 in our Macaroon Making adventures. Our third attempt was Hazelnut Macaroons. These were an easy choice because of my deep love of all things Nutella. Here's the recipe with a few pictures thrown in for fun.
Makes 16
Cast of characters:
-1/4 cup ground almonds
-1/4 cup finely ground hazelnuts, plus 1 Tbsp. chopped to decorate
-1 cup powdered sugar
-2 extra large egg whites
-1/4 cup sugar
-pink food coloring (optional)

Filling:
Hazelnut spread (Nutella)
Start by pouring yourself a glass of Macaroon wine...yes this exists! Then put the ground almonds, 1/4 cup hazelnuts and powdered sugar in a food processor and process for 15 seconds. Sift the mixture into a bowl. Go ahead and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper for later.

Place the egg whites in a bowl and whip until holding soft peaks. Gradually beat in the sugar to make a firm, glossy meringue. (This step might take longer than you think so just be patient and make sure the consistency is as stated above.)  We wanted to be girly so we added food coloring to make ours pink. Brown and pink is such a cute color combo, don't you think?

Using a spatula, fold the almond/hazelnut mixture into the meringue one third at a time. When all ingredients are incorporated, continue to cut and fold the mixture until it forms a shiny batter with a thick ribbon like consistency.

Pour the batter into a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2 inch/1 cm plain tip. Pipe 32 small circles onto the prepared baking sheets. Tap the baking sheets firmly onto a work surface to remove air bubbles (important step people!). Let them stand at room temperature for 30 minutes while the oven preheats to 325 degrees F.
Bake for 10-15 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes then carefully peel macaroons from parchment paper and let cool completely.
Sandwich pairs of macaroons together with Nutella...feel free to like your fingers and the spatula clean. Actually this is required.
If I haven't said it enough...you need to make macaroons ASAP!

22 comments:

Jess at Just Rainbows and Butterflies said...

Just found your blog and am your newest follower! I love these macaroons and might try to make blue ones for our little boy's arrival.

jamiedawn said...

those are sooo pretty! and tasty looking as well !

Brittany said...

Oh my gosh. YUM. I love your food posts.

Unknown said...

I love macarons! Have a good time!

http://theprintedsea.blogspot.com/

Heather Marie said...

Looks so good and fun! I have to try this macaroon business out

meme-and-he said...

you guys are too cute! Its like an elite little club you've got goin!

Unknown said...

Yum! I must try these.

alliespence. said...

my tummy is grumbling.

i should people at work your creations and we're all trying to figure out a way to get/make ourselves some ha!! great work ladies!!

Katie said...

Haha, this is too cute! And these look amazing again! I will really have to attempt at some point!

vintage grey said...

These look so yummy!! Love macaroons!! What a fun color! xo Heather

courtney said...

aww i love this!!! cant wait to make more soon :D

Chantel said...

Kay, I'm one of those people that has yet to jump on the macaroon band wagon but nutella filled? Get me on that wagon!

Lauryn said...

Oh my goodness! These look so delicious! I've never tried to make macaroons, but I think I need to give it whirl ASAP! They're adorable.

Tatiana said...

Those look SO cute! I've been wanting to make them for SOO long but they always sounded so tricky. Maybe I'll get some courage one of those days and give it a try.

Lauren said...

I have got to hop on this macaroon train! Every time I see something about them I start to crave them. Plus with a hazelnut filling? I'm in heaven!

Katie said...

So fun! Macaroons are always so cute...and nutella filling probably made them amazeballs. Yum!

Andrea said...

These look so delicious! You ladies have a great macaroon baking group going on!

Megan said...

YUM!! These look SO SO delish! I would love them b/c I love Nutella!

Taylor said...

wowowow. amazing and they look SO professional! i need to try this recipe, i have always wanted to taste a macaroon!

Anonymous said...

Making macaroons is on my list of things to do this year! This just helped kick it to the top of the list. :)

Nice job - they look beautiful! And I love that there's a Macaron wine. I mean, that's just perfect.

Katie Price said...

When had my first macaron the other day, I thought of you and your baking adventures!

Is there a difference between Macaroon & Macaron?? What I had was spelled Macaron, and I've seen you spell it both ways. I'm just curious, if you know.

Cassandra said...

These look delicious! I think my mouth is watering already haha. Can't wait to try them out.