We have all at least heard of macarons (most of us LOVE them). They are a French delicacy, soft, chewy, flavorful, and colorful pastry. These elegant and luxurious cookies are appealing to both the eyes and the palate. You would definitely recognize them if you saw them; however, did you know they have an extensive and rather interesting history? It's true! Let me tell you ALL about it!
The First Macaron
Although it is hard to pinpoint the exact year the first macaron debuted specifically, many theorists believe it may have been in the 8th century. According to popular belief, the very first macaron had Italian origins and wasn't introduced to France until 1533. However, its popularity began to rise once this delicacy was introduced to France.
The story goes, during her marriage to King Henry II of France, Queen Catherine de Medici's pastry chefs brought the recipe for macarons with them. Of course, back then, macarons were made differently than the modern-day macarons we enjoy. Still, they had a similar concept, nonetheless.
As a welcome gesture, macarons were served to King Louis XIV's guests in 1682. Until then, macarons were considered an exclusive item for royalty. From 1789 until the fall of the empire, this tradition continued.
The Evolution of the Macaron
A pair of sisters from eastern France, Marguerite and Marie-Elisabeth, sought asylum in Nancy during the French revolution. The macarons became famous in 1792 when these sisters started selling macarons to commoners.
The sisters were experts in making a variety of pastries, which led them to bake these macarons as a way to earn a living. Almost immediately, the duo became known as "Macarons de Nancy."
Almost 50 years later, In the 1830's macaroons finally became assembled the way they are famous today—a bit of jam or buttercream frosting nestled between two meringue cookies. Modern macarons were born in the early 19th century when Ladurée of Paris, a famous Parisian tea salon that has been around for about 150 years, created the first modern macaron. This recipe has a very similar formula to the macarons we enjoy today and does not seem to be changing anytime soon!
The Macaron's Journey Across Seas
Macarons have spread around the world and are now enjoyed in many countries. Some of these countries in the United States, Switzerland, South Korea, Japan, and India. Each country has a similar macaron design with little bits of cultural twists added.
There has been a rapid increase in the popularity of these delectable sweets in the United States. This is mainly because they are indulgent, available in a variety of flavors and colors, and low in calories. In recent years, bakeries specializing in macarons have bloomed in New York, Seattle, and San Francisco.
Various American flavors have been added to the classic cookie by pastry chefs in the United States. As a result, there have been numerous flavors of macarons available in the United States, including mint chocolate chip, peanut butter and jelly, Snickers, peach champagne, pistachio, strawberry cheesecake,
candy corn, salted pretzel, chocolate peanut butter, oatmeal raisins, candy cane, cinnamon, maple bacon, pumpkin, and salted caramel popcorn.
National Macaron Day
Macaron Day began in 2005 in Paris as a collaboration between local bakeries to support local charities while celebrating French macarons. It gives macaron lovers a chance to try these cookies at various bakeries. More than 15 pastry shops participated in the 2010 celebration of French macaron shops in NYC. When customers mention Macaron Day at the bakery, they receive a complimentary macaron with every purchase. Budapest, Toronto, Portland, and Perth are among the cities that observe Macaron Day annually.
Even though this National Macaron Day isn't a public holiday, it has been carefully planned to coincide with two specific dates. The first day of spring and International Day of Happiness, which are symbolic of the effect of macarons on people and a time to celebrate.
How to Enjoy Modern-Day Macarons
Macarons are most commonly enjoyed as an after-dinner dessert, but who said we had to stop there? Macaron lovers enjoy sipping their hot morning coffee with this pastry in their hands. Opt for a chocolatey or vanilla-based macaron (we don't advise fruity flavors with your coffee).
Maybe coffee isn't your cup of tea for morning caffeinating, but green tea is! Now, this is the perfect drink to pair with a fruity macaron. You can go with just about any fruit flavor, orange, raspberry, strawberry, lemon, etc.
Macarons can even be an excellent addition to an in-home brunch party (especially if there are going to be mimosas involved). Are you enjoying a bottle of wine? Grab a macaron! They are the perfect sweet treat to pair alongside your finest wines. Here is a quick breakdown of some wines to pair with your macarons:
Chardonnay with a vanilla macaron
Dessert Riesling with a chocolate hazelnut macaron
Rose with a lavender macaron
Pino Noir with a red velvet macaron
Bonus Fact: these French treats are gluten-free because they are made without wheat flour. Macarons are made with almond flour instead, which of course, helps to give it its famous texture!
About Chelles Macaron
At Chelles Macaron, we are dedicated to supplying only the best, highest quality, and most delicious macarons. Our shop began in 2015 as a small bakery, and we continued growing. Today, we can ship our homemade macarons nationwide for everyone to enjoy!
Our macaron experts bake these French pastries fresh every day. Once an order is placed, you can receive your macarons in as little as two days! These sweet treats are the perfect party favor, holiday or housewarming gift, birthday present, or addition to any celebration.
Come on over and browse our selection of 15+ macaron flavors to start customizing your personalized box. Need a larger or custom order? We got your back! Give us a shout so that one of our macaron agents can help fulfill your unique needs!