National Macaron Day

Person in a elegant outfit, holding a plate of colorful macarons, with a backdrop of a Parisian cafe and a charming cobblestone street.. — National macaron day illustration

Welcome to National Macaron Day, the perfect opportunity to satisfy your sweet tooth while feeling fancy and sophisticated at the same time. Whether you prefer colorful macarons or classic flavors like vanilla and chocolate, this day is all about indulging in these delicate French treats. So put on your fanciest hat, grab your loved ones, and get ready for a delightful day filled with macarons!

When is Macaron Day?

It's national macaron day on the 21st March.

The Delicious History of National Macaron Day

Macarons, not to be confused with macaroons, are meringue-based cookies that have been enjoyed in France for centuries. These delightful treats are made by combining almond flour, powdered sugar, and egg whites, resulting in a light and airy texture with a crunchy exterior. The fillings can vary from fruity jams to rich ganache, offering a wide range of flavor combinations.

The origins of National Macaron Day are a bit of a mystery, just like the secret recipe for the perfect macaron. However, it is believed to have been started by pastry chefs and macaron enthusiasts who wanted to celebrate and promote the beauty of this delectable dessert. Since then, the popularity of macarons has soared, and people all over the world now eagerly await this special day to indulge in their favorite flavors.

How to Celebrate

Celebrating National Macaron Day is as easy as finding your nearest bakery or patisserie that specializes in these delightful treats. Treat yourself to an assortment of flavors and share them with your loved ones. Macarons also make thoughtful gifts for special occasions, so consider surprising someone with a box of these little treasures.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try making macarons from scratch at home. Just be warned, it can be a bit tricky to get the perfect texture and shape, but the end result is well worth the effort. There are countless recipes and video tutorials available online to guide you through the process, so don't hesitate to give it a try!

Did You Know?

Did you know that the macaron's popularity skyrocketed when it became a regular feature on the TV show 'Gossip Girl'? The character Blair Waldorf, known for her impeccable taste and sense of style, often indulged in these delicate treats, causing macaron mania among fans of the show. Who knew that a TV show could have such a delicious influence on dessert trends?

History behind the term 'Macaron'

14th century

Birth of a Delicacy

Macarons were first created in the 14th century in Italy. The term 'macaron' originates from the Italian word 'maccherone', which means 'fine dough'. Early macarons were simple almond-based cookies made from a mixture of ground almonds, sugar, and egg whites. These cookies were introduced to France by Catherine de' Medici, the Italian-born queen consort of King Henry II.

16th century

Innovation and Evolution

During the 16th century, macarons underwent significant changes. The recipe was refined, and the cookies began to feature different flavors and fillings. It was at this time that the classic macaron shape, with a smooth rounded top and a slightly crunchy exterior, emerged. Macarons gained popularity and became a staple in French bakeries and pastry shops.

20th century

A Colorful Transformation

In the early 20th century, the macaron transformed again, this time becoming a colorful culinary delight. Pierre Desfontaines, a renowned French pastry chef, is credited with creating the first double-decker macaron, which consisted of two almond meringue cookies sandwiched together with a flavored ganache filling. He also introduced vibrant colors to the macaron, making it not only a delicious treat but also a visually appealing masterpiece.

2000s

International Sensation

During the 2000s, the macaron gained international fame, becoming a symbol of French pastry craftsmanship and sophistication. This delicate treat transcended boundaries and became an iconic dessert worldwide. The popularity of macarons led to various flavor innovations and creative interpretations, ranging from classic flavors like chocolate and raspberry to unconventional ones like matcha and salted caramel.