Popthusiasm :P: Mac what?

Ever wondered what those colourful round things, tempting even more to the eye than the stomach, popular especially in France and its capital Paris, are? The specific name we give these unique ‘biscuits’ is macarons derived from the French word. Moreover, it seems that these decadent treats are currently winning over the world, enticing pâtissiers and bakers to start selling them. This new trend is most definitely noteworthy in light of our popular culture.

This cookie which is crisp on the outside, soft in the middle and melts on the tongue can be traced back to the middle ages. The first records date back from 1533 when it was said the Italian chefs of Catherine de Medici thought it up around the time of her marriage to the Duc d’Orleans who became king Henry II of France in 1547. Although the first macarons were rather simple, with only one layer, they only evolved around the 20^th century when Pierre Desfontaines, second cousin of Louis Ernest Ladurée, decided to sandwich two almond meringue biscuits with a ganache filling. Thereby making them the famous macarons we know today and additionally one of the most desired, must-have biscuits of our time. In Paris you can to this day see long queues at the French patisserie businesses Ladurée and Pierre Hermé.

After all, it is a real Parisian souvenir and people know it. Moreover, these businesses are known for their expertise and sell a variety of colours and flavours. Like I already mentioned you do not need to be in Paris to obtain this exclusive cookie. Around the world it is gaining popularity and running into macarons in New York, Canada, Los Angeles, Japan etc. is probably rule rather than exception. Even my favourite pâtissier here in Lokeren, Belgium has started selling them.

Popular culture is definitely fuelling the current ‘mac’ in macaron ;) I could not resist after seeing them eat the things on my favourite TV show, Gossip Girl. Let us also not forget the lavish Marie Antoinette who’s favourite dessert treat was a macaron, apparently even having named her cat ‘macaron’ at the age of five. Moreover, the 2006 movie starring Kirsten Dunst had an exquisite colour palette said to be based on macarons.[1]

Additionally, the Australian Adriano Zumbo is famous for his macarons and the first episode of his television serie ‘Zumbo’ followed him in his build-up to ‘macaron day’. Television cannot seem to get enough of these sweets, maybe because they also have credible screen value and they radiate a certain kind of luxuriousness.

It is currently probably the most fashionable ‘cookie’ in the world having taken over a fashion capital such as Paris. Being extremely popular in France, it is extremely chic to serve and to give as a present, especially on specific holidays.