French Macarons -- The New Cupcake

While we've long hailed the joys of a perfectly made French macaron, it seems that the world is beginning to take notice as well. Now being touted as the "next cupcake", we're glad that people are finally catching on.

In his HuffPost Taste article, Damon Banks would have to agree. "Though I do enjoy a moist cupcake as much as the next guy, now seeing storefronts elegantly decorated with the beautiful colors from the many flavors of these macarons is a refreshing update from the past few years where cupcakes seem to be advertised on every corner."

While the discussion of macarons probably stirs up fond thoughts of those delicious coconut delights that we in the U.S. like to refer to as macaroons (with two o's), true French macarons are a whole different treat!

A meringue cookie, the name macaron comes from the description of one of its principal ingredients, almond paste. Macarons are the delight of French patisseries and can be found throughout the world in French bakeries. Beautifully colored, depending on their main flavor, they're almost too pretty to eat! (That is until you try a bite).

From Sea Salt Caramel to Mint Chocolate, Pistachio to Lavender, Strawberry to Green Tea, the flavors are endless!

However, with the macaron's growing popularity here in the U.S., they're not nearly as hard to find as they once were. Many local bakeries here in the Twin Cities offer up some pretty fierce macaron competition. We won't name names or dish on favorites, but we haven't met one locally that we haven't liked!

There are several different historical claims as well as variations that you'll find in your taste travels. However, they can also be made at home. For a simple, easy to try recipe, we like the following French Macaron recipe, borrowed from the Food Network.

Go out in search of some French macarons or make some for your next gathering, and you're sure to be the hit of the party!