Before we get started with our giveaway post, let’s take a little journey down the road of differentiating between our friends the macaron and macaroon.
ย The sandwich-like French macaron that we’ll be highlighting today is more of a meringue cookie, getting its light, airy texture from egg whites. The Southern coconut macaroon, however, can be differentiated by it’s outer coating of shredded coconut and condensed milk. The biggest difference? While the macaroon can be whipped up rather quickly, the dainty macaron is much more complex and downright intimidating to some (like me).
One is pronounced macarON.
And one macaROON.
Now, why am I telling you all this and schooling you like you should be jotting down notes?
Because a few months ago while I was at BlogHer I had a rather unfortunate macaron situation.
One of the vendor booths was readily supplying macarons in girl scout cookie flavors.
Oh yes, my friends.
Thin mint macarons.
Samoa flavored macarons.
Are you drooling yet?
Outloud and to no one in particular, I made the following statement: “oh look, they’re putting out more macaroons”.
I will admit, I say macaROONS when I’m referring to macarONs in casual conversations.
I struck a nerve with THE most rude foodie who overhead and elected to preach to me on the difference between the macarON and the macaROON.
Y’all, my heritage is French.
I know the difference.
But just as I don’t run around town pointing out that my name is Ah-May, (my grandmother is the only one who actually uses the accent mark over my 1st e), I also don’t run around rolling my “r”‘s while saying macarons.
I politely defended that I know the difference, “but who really says it with the French accent”?
To which she alerted me that everyone but me, in fact, does.
I sorta wanted to put my hand on my hip and say “do you know my friend just wrote a book on macarons? do you? do you?” but I just walked away instead.
Since that encounter I’ve heard it mispronounced on The Today Show.
And then again at the Duncan Hines Test Kitchen last weekend.
I say all this to say, I really hope that rather you say tomaTOE, or taMATo, potaTOE, or paTATo, macarON, or macaROON please show some manners if you overhear someone mispronounce.
Maybe they know the difference.
And maybe they do not.
But it’s not your place to inform them. Unless of course, it’s a friend. And you do so politely.
ENOUGH OF THAT.
Let’s talk fancy MACARONS, shall we?!
I am so delighted to be joining Mindy Cone’s blog hop celebrating her new cookbook.
Mindy is the girl behind the blogย Creative Juice. The book was written and photographed entirely by her and is truly a work of art.
Not only does she master the art of macaron making, include a plethora of delicious recipe combinations, she also creatively constructs them into fun and exciting shapes.
Like hamburgers.
And footballs.
Impressive, huh?
Mindy and I would love for YOU to have a copy of her new book.
And I figured if you were going to be getting her book, you might need an appropriate apron to wear while trying your hand at macarons.
So I made you one.
Just look at that macaron fabric, would ya?!
There are multiple ways to win below. Do them all, do just a few- it’s totally up you!
Contest will run through the weekend and ends on Sunday, Sept. 29th.
Open to US residents only.
I have not made them…. I’ve been searching for the perfect, no-fail, recipe. So, if I win this book…. maybe I’ll try them!!!
You are hilarious! I totally pronounce them that way too – I’m about half half. I feel silly saying the ‘correct’ way in casual conversation…it’s a little pretentious lol!! I do it right when it matters but honestly that’s not very often! I wish I was there… I love a good food snob to mess with! And I’m going to have to explore this whole Girl Scout macaron theme— that sounds amazing!! Maybe a new blog series?!
I can’t even handle how beautiful that apron is– it is perfect!!!! You are so talented!!!
I have never made macarons before! I have wanted to try making them, but have heard that they are tricky! I have always called them macaroons too, so mrs. stuffy foodie would have squawked at me for my pronunciation as well!
Yes I havd but they certainly didn’t look as pretty as Mindy’s!
I’ve made them a few times and while they are challenging I LOVE making them. But since I had success when I’ve made them with ONE recipe, I’ve been to chicken to try anything else LOL! Would love Mindy’s book so I can be more adventuress ๐
I have NEVER made them but have always wanted to give this popular treat a try! Your aprons are to die for, and about the lady at BlogHer, I’ve always said macaroons….LOL. Thanks for the schooling. ๐
I have never made macarons, but I want to!
I’ve been dying to make some for my little one’s birthday parties but I’m intimidated. A new apron and a fab cookbook would definitely help!
No, I have never made macarons, but I have seen several great recipes and really want to try them.
I have never made macarons, but they are on my foodie bucket list. They scare me!! I love, love, love that apron!!
I have never made macarons before. My sister loves them so maybe I try them!
I have never attempted macarons, but can’t wait to with Mindy’s new book!
I’ve never made macarons (& yes, Aimee, I say macaroon too even though I know the difference!). I’m honestly scared to make them and lacking the proper pan. But maybe Mindy’s book would give me confidence!
I have never made macrons before, but have wanted to conquer my fear and give it a try. The apron is gorgeous!! Amazing talent!
First of all, how rude! I’m so sorry.
I tried making macarOns a few months ago, before I even started blogging. They were delicious, but they didn’t have those characteristic little feet and didn’t rise properly. I think I over-mixed the batter. ๐ Even if that’s not what I did wrong, I got discouraged and haven’t tried again. I might have to get her book (and hopefully win it with that adorable apron!) and try them again! It’s amazing to me when people like your friend make it look so easy! I’m super impressed. ๐
Happy Friday!
Natalie
oystersandpearls.net
I have never made macaron’s before but I know I would just be darling at it, and with that apron too!
I have heard it pronounced both ways by a variety of people. I just really want to learn how to make them correctly. Thanks for the giveaway – that fabric is so cute
No, I have never made macarons before…actually I have never even tasted them! I am in love with how they look! Nobody makes them where I live, and I’ve heard they’re hard to make so I haven’t attempted that yet!
I love macaron. It took me awhile before I knew how to pronounce. I’ve made them twice and lucked out with better looking pastries the second time. Still though, far from perfect. I’d love to know better what to do along with some fab recipes.
Can I ask where you found the fabric for the apron? I sell macarons at a farmer’s market, and the fabric would be perfect as a table cloth! Thank you so much!
As for the pronounciation, I don’t ever correct my customers if they use macaroon over macaron, and if they do ask me to correct them, I tell them it depends on how pretentious they feel that day ๐
Hi Sarah! So sorry for just seeing your question. I found the fabric on Etsy- just typed in macaron fabric. She didn’t have a ton though, so you might have to settle for a table runner rather than tablecloth. I’ll try to see if I can find the name of the shop! Hee hee for “how pretentious they feel”. ๐
Thank you!