Macaroons

As it is the start of a new semester at university I find myself with a fair bit of time on my hands, relatively speaking so I intend to make my favorite little treats sometime this week. This is an easy recipie to make macaroons and when I found it I was surprised, as one it did work, and two I had always thought these little things where ever difficult to make.

For this recipe you will need:

125grams ground almonds

200grams icing sugar

2tbsp caster sugar

3 egg whites

1/2  tsp cream of tartar

pinch of powdered food colouring

Filling:

200grams dark chocolate

200ml double cream

1tsp brandy

15grams unsalted butter

Method:

-Blend the almonds and icing sugar until well combined.

-Mix egg whites until stiff peaks.

-Slowly whisk in cream of tartar and caster sugar until smooth and glossy.

-Increase the speed as the mixture stiffens then fold in the food colouring and almond sugar mix.

-When the mixture looks like a sort of foam spoon the mixture into a piping bag with a 1cm nozzle and make 5cm circles.

-Tap the bottom of the baking tray to remove the air from inside.

-Set asside for approx 60mintues or until no longer sticky to touch.

-Preheat the oven to 160 Degrees and bake for 10 - 15minutes then leave to cool.

For filling:

-Heat double cream and chocolate in a saucepan on a low heat.

-Once the chocolate has melted add the brandy and butter then stir until smooth and leave to cool.

-Use the filling to sandwich the macaroons together and chill in the fridge for 30mintues.

-When all this is finished enjoy with a nice cup of tea.