Our Hopeful Home: French Macarons: Colorful & Decadent Easter Dessert

As a confessed lover of all things French, I would be remiss if I did not fess up to my love of French macarons. I mean -- like, real love. Normally I only receive them for special occasions (birthday, Christmas) but this time I actually bought some macarons for myself! My daughter and I went to a vintage flea market in a nearby town last weekend. While I didn't have a great day shopping for vintage goods, I did have a great day shopping for one of my favorite decadent treats.

French macarons St. Roger Abbey French Gourmet Patisserie Chicago

For those of you not familiar with these light and airy luscious goodies, macarons are made primarily of egg white and almond meal plus various flavorings, sweeteners and colors depending on the flavor of the particular macaron. Essentially, they're meringue clouds of yummy goodness. Macarons (the word means meringue) are said to have been in existence as far back as the 8th century. Not to be confused with the very different coconut-based cookie, the macaroon, these French concoctions are absolutely to die for.

They're like petite sweet sandwiches.

And so incredibly pretty, too. Just take a look.

I purchased the Paris Montmartre French Macaron Box of 12. Wouldn't their pretty pastel colors make for a lovely dessert spread after Easter brunch or dinner? (And what's with the empty slot in the box, you ask? Well, it's not like a certain someone had to eat one as soon as she got in the car before even driving home or anything. So I'm not really sure about that.)

The reason I purchased these particular macarons at the vintage flea is that I bought them previously at a local farmer's market and knew they were the best of the best.

The certified organic macarons are expertly made at St. Roger Abbey in Wilmette, IL by the sisters of Fraternite Notre Dame. To quote their website:

At St. Roger Abbey French Gourmet Patisserie, all the products that are made at our monastery by our nuns are made using organic flour, organic sugar and organic vanilla extract and many other good ingredients!

Just a few of the flavors available are Caramel, Blueberry, Strawberry, Cappucino, Milk Chocolate Raspberry, Pistachio, Lemon and Hazelnut Praline. Need I say more? And by purchasing from the Abbey Patisserie you are helping them continue with their ministry of feeding and caring for the homeless. (I receive nothing for this post, I just want to share what I know since I really do love these macarons!)

If you live in the Chicago area you can purchase them locally, but if you don't you can always purchase them by mail order. I will warn you that authentic French macarons are never cheap. That's why I only get them for special occasions. But I'd say that Easter is definitely a special occasion. Wouldn't you agree? And as much as I enjoy baking, I think I'll leave these special creations to the French baking experts.