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A Macaron Masterclass in the French Capital

A Macaron Masterclass in the French Capital

If cookies are an all-American classic, then macarons are definitely France’s choice confection. These meringue-based treats have become an embodiment of Paris, being chic, pricey, and associated with luxury.

We wanted to share a little of la vie parisienne, so we got in touch with four American expats living in the City of Light and invited them along to the best macaron making class in Paris.

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Experiencing French culture

Travel writer Deborah Carter once asserted: “You have to taste a culture to understand it.” And boy were they about to understand the French culture. 3 full plates of it.

Our bloggers arrived at BonAppetour hostess Bénédicte’s sun-drenched apartment in the chic 17th arrondissement at about 2pm. Bénédicte’s background in the French Luxury industry not only comes through in her cooking, but in her apartment too. It is effortlessly chic, with the crisp white walls meeting ornate mouldings on high ceilings.

Fans of Parisian architecture will not be disappointed with the added French flair of parquet floors and a wrought iron balcony.

Our hostess had lovingly prepared a spread of homemade chouquettes, mini-meringues and tea. This was the perfect chance for our bloggers to get to know each other before attempting the seemingly impossible task of recreating Ladurée’s famous sweet treat.

Our bloggers were Anne, Celina, Jocelyn and Melissa, all American and all lured to Paris by its timeless glamour. Once teas were drunk and mini-meringues eaten, the group of girls gathered around the rustic round table of Bénédicte’s apartment, eager to hear the secret to macaron-making.

“It’s actually not too complicated,” Bénédicte said to a group of bewildered bloggers. “It’s just sugar, ground almonds and egg whites.”

Armed with some scales, a sift and the knowledge that all macaron bases are the same (it’s just the filling that gives them their flavour), our bloggers began to craft their luxurious little treats.

With their mixture ready and sporting the vibrant colours of pink and yellow, they were placed in piping bags, and squeezed onto pre-drawn squares. Bénédicte, picking up the baking tray, said that this is “the secret to getting perfectly formed macarons,” then promptly dropped the tray onto the table.

The loud clang rang through the apartment, she repeated the action, stating that it was a great way to get the best shape for the macarons.

Once the base was ready, the bloggers started on the filling, using fresh lemons and real raspberries. As they stirred, peeled, and whisked, the lovely ladies laughed as they spoke about the differences between the USA and France.

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They revealed their reasons for moving to the capital, what they missed from back home, and listened to Bénédicte’s own story. Our hostess has lived on the same street her whole life, making her a bonafide Parisienne and expert in the area. After sandwiching the filling between the macaron bases, our bloggers took a seat ready to enjoy the fruits of their labour.

This 3-hour macaron-making class in Paris ended in true French fashion, with a bottle of champagne. Conversation was as free-flowing as the bubbly, and the bloggers arranged to meet up again post-BonAppetour experience.

From left to right: Melissa’s review on Melissa in Paris, Anne’s review on Hardly Snarky, our hostess Benedicte’s macaron-making class in Paris, Celina’s review on Quirking It Out, Jocelyn’s review on Samba Through Life.

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Read any of our bloggers’ reviews of this macaron-making class, and get 20% off your own quintessential Paris experience.

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Where To Get The Best Macarons in Paris

Where To Get The Best Parisian Staple - Macarons

Paris, a dining capital with fine restaurants, casual bistros, bustling markets and fabulous gourmet shops. Of all the lovely foods to be savoured in the city – amazing cheeses, luscious wines, delectable charcuterie and to-die-for pastries – one little gem stands out from the rest: Macarons! This luxurious French delicacy is a must-eat in Paris, where you will find some of the best macaron makers in the world, and here are some of the places that you can find them.

Laduree

The name Laduree shouldn’t be foreign to you because of how it is usually the talk of the town. The traditional macaron is a staple for an everyday Parisian, and this is where they go and get it. Known for its consistency, crunchy outer pastry and soft flavourful filling – a must try. Each season they come up with new flavours just to spice it up, as well as a limited edition box where they collaborate with fashion designers (you should really consider buying a collection as they all look like jewelry boxes).

Pierre Herme

This next macaron house is as famous as Laduree. Infact, there has been many reviews challenging Laudree’s position as the best macaron house in Paris. Pierre Herme, a master of our era, started his career at iconic house of Fauchon before working at Laudree. The creator of one of the most mouthwatering macarons out there, the famous Isfahan desert which is made out of two macaron shells with a fresh raspberry centre, rose cream filling and a lychee in the centre.

Now you might ask, what differentiates Pierre Herme to Laduree? Pierre Herme provides a twist to the tradition macarons. Venturing off the path of flavours such as ‘chocolate’, ‘vanilla’ and ‘strawberry’, Pierre Herme brings to the table modern and experiemental flavours such as white chocolate and wine, passion fruit and the one that surprised us all, foie gras. This is definitely the macaron house to go to if you are looking for something less mainstream anda little different.

Angelina

This next place, Angelina, though known for their hot chocolate and Mont-Blanc, their macarons, crunchy with light fillings, should not be missed either. Their iconic “chocolat chaud à l’ancienne” is a must try (you’ll never look at a cup of hot chocolate the same again), paired together with some of their amazing macarons as well. A perfect mix of luxury and Parisian patisserie experience.

Homemade Macarons

And why not have a taste of home-made macarons! For this luxury dining experience you will be ushered into a chic Haussmann-styled apartment in Paris and handed a glass of champagne- the perfect introduction to Parisian life! You will learn how to make macarons with pastry expert Benedicte and also the secrets of macaron making and you will also get to eat with a local in Paris. As I am sure you know- food always tastes best when it is homemade! With your belly full of sweetness and your heart filled with pride after mastering this macaron cooking class you can head off for a stroll along the Champs Elysées or explore Montmartre- both of which are only 15 minutes from Benedicte’s Parisian kitchen!

Know of any other macaron stores there are as good as the ones mentioned above? Let us know in the comments below 🙂

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