I’m going to say something perhaps a little controversial.
I’m not a big macaron fan.
I appreciate that they’re light and sweet, and gently nutty, but so many I’ve tried have claimed to be this flavour or that flavour and, well, aren’t. They’re just sweet.
However, there are always one or two exceptions to the rule – and when they’re done well, they’re lovely. Take those from the Ginger Tart, or from Manchester House. There’s no guesswork, no trying to match the colour of the pretty morsel to the hint of vague flavour in your mouth, and it’s not overpowering the crisp nuttiness of the macaron. It’s balanced.
And I can add a third to that list, Baked With Love.
Baked with Love are a mother and daughter duo, who many will know from Levenshulme Market (and more recently Spinningfields market too). They’re self taught bakers with a sweet tooth who decided to make macarons their speciality. Given that they’ve turned my head, I think they’re doing something right!
The passion fruit macaron tastes of passion fruit – sharp and sweetly floral, the chocolate orange is rich with orange oil and buttery chocolate and the lemon… Yeah, you get the idea.
This was, admittedly, my second package. My first had unfortunately not managed to make it through Mr Postie’s hands without significant damage and so Baked with Love arranged for a second, more robust parcel to be sent out. The box of 12 arrived safe and sound, with only the odd crumb dislodged.
Beautiful. Personal favourites included the lemon (I do love citrus), blackcurrant and surprisingly for me, the raspberry and white chocolate. The raspberry still had the light soft perfumed flavour that a fresh raspberry has, and I was really impressed.
I mean really. Sorry Mr GFB, maybe next time I’ll share.
Maybe.
If you’re looking for something sweet to treat yourself to, or a gift for someone else, I’d pop these on your shopping list.
Meanwhile, I’m just going to quietly remind Mr GFB that it’s my birthday this month….
With thanks again to Baked with Love for the box of macarons, and for the damaged pack, that were just as lovely, but a a lot less pretty by the time they reached me!