I recently discovered the joy of macarons a little over a year ago, but these delicate European deserts date back all the way to the 18th century. The origin is arguably either French or Italian, but the most famous location for macarons is definitely Paris, France at the world renowned LaDuree on the Champs-Elysees. Creamy ganaches, chewy caramels and sweet fruit compotes are sandwiched between two delicious almond-tinted meringue-like cookies. Macarons are crisp and light as well as chewy and delicious at the same time, leaving mouths craving more. They come in familiar favorites like chocolate, strawberry, and caramel, as well as more innovative flavors such as rose anise, pistachio and black currant. As famous as LaDuree is, ordering them to your doorstep in the United States may leave them a little stale by the time they arrive. Since discovering these pretty, pastel gems that are almost too pretty to eat (almost), I have been on an avid mission to find an equally superior macaron in America that is either in my area, or will deliver quickly. There seem to be quite a few places in California that can boast on selling a more than decent macaron. Paulette Macarons in southern California and the Bay Area is a favorite and their passion for making macarons is apparent since it is the ONLY thing they sell! You can sample flavors like Columbian coffee and Violet Cassis and they can even be delivered over-night directly to your doorstep and into your mouth! Macarons are quickly becoming the next big thing in desserts and if you haven’t had one yet, you’re definitely missing out!
Price: $1.60 each, $19 for a gift box of 12, and $36 for a gift box of 24
Who Found It: idabone was first to add Paulette Macarons to the Hive.