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Hot Macarons For My Hot Tamale


I know, I know…Valentine’s Day is like 4 days behind…and still I am all about the reds and the pinks…and gushy feelings for and shared with family and loved ones. You are going to think I am lying when I proclaim high and loud that we do not celebrate V-Day. Well, we don’t do the usual things like flowers, jewelry, and especially dining out. I love what Jen said about that day and how she feels about her man. Ditto Jen! So it should be no surprise to you when I tell you that we ended up making dinner together and that I am the one who brought the jewelry…in the form of these Jeweled Hot Tamale Macarons.

I know B. loves macarons way more than I do, and he likes Hot Tamales way more than I do, so I found it only fitting to make these for him for last Thursday, except they were made on Tuesday and also shared with my mother before her trip back. Only a few were left for Valentine’s Day dinner and that was plenty with a glass of dessert white wine. Why a Hot Tamale? Because I think B. is plenty hot to make me melt… Just like these macarons. Why Jeweled Macarons? Because they’re full of sparkles and when held in the light they look like a million bucks.

I filled them with a soft white chocolate and raspberry ganache and as you bite into them, you are surprised by a hot cinnamon candy. The macaron shells were painted hot red and sprinkled with pink sugar sparkles which offer a little extra crunch on your lips when you bite into them.

I promise this is the last "lurve" post for a while, I guess I just got inspired this year!! Note on the first photo: my mom was my model and I want to thank her for going through 15 minutes (twice) of "Don’t move" "To the right…lower…left" "Hold it" "One more…" especially right after she woke up…! Thank you Mom!


Hot Tamale Macarons:

For the Macarons:
3 egg whites (I like to use 2-3 day old egg whites)
50 gr. granulated sugar
200 gr. powdered sugar
110 gr. ground almonds
3 Tb hot red powdered food coloring, divided
sparkling sugar

In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the egg whites to a foam, gradually add the sugar until you obtain a glosy meringue. Do not overbeat your meringue or it will be too dry and your macarons won’t work. Combine the ground almonds and powdered sugar in a food processor and give them a quick pulse. It will break the powdered sugar lumps and cobine your almond with it evenly. Add them to the meringue along with 1 TB food coloring and fold the mass carefully until you obtain a batter that flows like magma or a thick ribbon. Test a small amount on a plate: if the tops flattens on its own you are good to go. If there is a small beak, give the batter a couple of turns.Fill a pastry bag fitted with a plain tip with the batter and pipe small round onto parchment paper baking sheets. Preheat the oven to 315F. Let the macarons sit out for an hour to harden their shell a bit and bake for 8-10 minutes, depending on their size. Let cool completely. Combine 2 Tb food coloring with 1TB water in a small container and paint the macaron shells with the color. Sprinkle with the sanding sugar. Fill a pastry bag with the ganache, pipe over one shell, add a Hot Tamale candy and close with the other macaron shell.

White Chocolate Raspberry Ganache:
8 oz white chocolate
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup rasberry puree

If you can’t find raspberry puree: in a food processor, puree enough raspberries (1/2pint) to get the required mesurement.
In a heavy bottom saucepan, heat the cream to boiling, remove from heat and stir in the white chocolate. Whisk until completly combined, add the raspberry puree. Refrigerate until ready to fill the macarons.

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Now…I need to brag a little…but just a little…. Dessert Magazine released their first digital edition and is featuring a lot of the contestant from the Death By Chocolate Contest (with their permission) Not only am I featured in their edition but The Nutella Creams picture actually made the cover! Now…excuse me for the shameless "Tooting my own horn"…I am done. I love the layout of the magazine and the actual "flipping" the page sound, I am looking forward to reading more issues!

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Comments


Sandra Le Petrin February 18, 2008 um 7:45 am

je ne suis pas une big fan de macarons mais j’admire toute la crรฉativitรฉ qu’ils peuvent gรฉnรฉrer et toi tu bas vraiment des records! Ceux-lร  sont vraiment de petits bijoux!! B. is a very lucky man! Et tu sais quoi, j’avais devinรฉ que c’รฉtait ta mรจre qui รฉtait le model sur la 1รจre photo ;))


Anonymous February 18, 2008 um 7:52 am

Wow, these macarons look so cool, or should I say hot ๐Ÿ˜‰ I looove the sparkling sugar on them.


Anonymous February 18, 2008 um 7:54 am

congrats on the cover!

i have *got* to learn how to make macarons. i will learn by the end of february, oh yes i will.

or, you know, not. i guess that’s what my "failures" category is for. but i will give it the old college try!


Eva February 18, 2008 um 8:18 am

Congrats, Helen! That’s really something to be proud of!


Peabody February 18, 2008 um 9:12 am

Spicy! They look so pink…which is my favorite color.
Congrats on the Dessert magazine, they are using something of mine in one the issues.


Rosa's Yummy Yums February 18, 2008 um 9:16 am

Gorgeous! I still have to make my own macarons…

Cheers,

Rosa


La cuisine des 3 soeurs February 18, 2008 um 10:40 am

Une fois de plus, superbes les macarons.


Judi February 18, 2008 um 11:32 am

Hi Love your blog so much have worked my way back to its start! Very impressed with your very professional looking macaroons…as good as Laduree’s by the look of them!


JEP February 18, 2008 um 12:18 pm

A magazine cover–Congratulations! The macarons look soooo delicate:)


Meeta K. Wolff February 18, 2008 um 12:30 pm

These look gorgeous and congrats on making the cover. You deserve it.


Nora B. February 18, 2008 um 1:05 pm

I’m sorry that you didn’t win the Napa trip, I know that you so badly wanted to go. But congrats on making it to the cover of Dessert Magazine!!

p/s: your macarons look hot! ๐Ÿ˜‰


Kay February 18, 2008 um 1:09 pm

congratulations on making the cover!
i’m a huge fan of your blog–and your recipes always look both tasty and visually delightful as well.
keep up the awesome ๐Ÿ™‚

-kay


Katia Mangham February 18, 2008 um 1:18 pm

Very exciting-Congratulations!!
The hot tamale macarons are absolutely precious!


Cannelle Et Vanille February 18, 2008 um 1:43 pm

Wow… that’s so exciting! Congratulations! You really did have a beautiful looking dessert there. As for the Hot Tamales… I don’t know what they taste like, I’ve never eaten one, but these look so fun and colorful!


Veron February 18, 2008 um 1:46 pm

Finally, you posted them. They do look like jewels! Congrats on your magazine cover… so cool!


Gretchen Noelle February 18, 2008 um 2:02 pm

What a crazy fun idea – Hot Tamale Macaroons! I love hot tamales but I don’t think I have ever eaten a macaroon. Congrats on the cover of the dessert magazine, I am clicking there next!


Bridget February 18, 2008 um 2:26 pm

Congratulations!

Your marcarons look incredible! ๐Ÿ™‚


Sheltie Girl February 18, 2008 um 3:48 pm

That’s just fabulous Helen! I’m so happy for you. Congratulations!

Sheltie Girl @ Gluten A Go Go


Anonymous February 18, 2008 um 3:55 pm

Congratulations on the cover photo! You deserve it with all your beautiful creations ๐Ÿ™‚

Like these macarons…they really look like they belong in a jewelry shop window ๐Ÿ™‚ Gorgeous!


Anonymous February 18, 2008 um 5:15 pm

Congrats on the cover, Helene! Definitely well-deserved, that picture is a killer, and Iยดm sure the recipe itself is delicious.


Obsessive Foodie or Food Addict….You Decide February 18, 2008 um 5:39 pm

These are really cool. Superb creativity!!!!


bakeorbreak February 18, 2008 um 5:51 pm

Congratulations! I am making a point not to show these macarons to Quinn, because he’ll have me making them immediately.


Brilynn February 18, 2008 um 6:13 pm

Congrats on the magazine and as usual, you amaze me with your macaron talents!


Anonymous February 18, 2008 um 7:22 pm

Toot the horn, by all means! You deserve it…


Karen Baking Soda February 18, 2008 um 7:38 pm

Congrats on the cover! You deserve it.
Those macaroons sure look hot!


Rusty J February 18, 2008 um 7:44 pm

hey!

i’ve been checking out your blog for a while now and i must say. it has a real down home – down to earth feel. i really like that!

you’ve inspired me to start my own blog. let me know what you think about it please! i’m must a newbie!

your fan,
Rusty J


MyKitchenInHalfCups February 18, 2008 um 7:52 pm

Oh please Helen, NEVER stop. Write all the lovey that you like because I certainly love each one of these posts AND I love the Hot Tamale Macarons!! Knowing how you feel about your guy makes me feel better about all the world.

WOW how cool is that – on the cover no less! I’m off to check it out!!


MyKitchenInHalfCups February 18, 2008 um 7:53 pm

Oh please Helen, NEVER stop. Write all the lovey that you like because I certainly love each one of these posts AND I love the Hot Tamale Macarons!! Knowing how you feel about your guy makes me feel better about all the world.

WOW how cool is that – on the cover no less! I’m off to check it out!!


Evelin February 18, 2008 um 8:58 pm

congratulations for the front cover picture!:)

I’ve felt the same 'oh-my-god-not-valentine’s-day-again' feeling when reading food blogs. have people gone nuts?:D it’s not celebrated as much here in Estonia and although I made candies for my friends and stuff and had a great day and stuff, that holiday is NOT about making all my food heart-shaped. Riiight?


Nic February 18, 2008 um 9:59 pm

These look absolutely amazing – the colours are perfect!
And you go ahead and toot your horn – it’s just great to see your photo on that cover.


Mandy February 18, 2008 um 10:44 pm

ooooohhhh, the macarons are so hot! And congrats for making the cover~


breadchick February 18, 2008 um 11:09 pm

Congrats Sweetie making the cover and the "red hot macarons" look spectacular.


Anonymous February 18, 2008 um 11:43 pm

congratulations! you deserved it, that picture is gorgeous ๐Ÿ™‚


LizNoVeggieGirl February 19, 2008 um 12:26 am

Helen, what would I do without your baking and food-photography inspiration??!??! Visiting your blog each and everyday (yes, I do, haha) is such a treat!!


Obsessive Foodie or Food Addict….You Decide February 19, 2008 um 12:27 am

I keep coming back to look at these….they truly are a work of art.


Aimรฉe February 19, 2008 um 1:15 am

Your macarons are so playful and pretty, Helen. I love them!!
Also, huge congrats on your cover photo and feature in Desserts Magazine!!!


Sweet and Savory Eats February 19, 2008 um 1:58 am

These are the cutest little sweets I have seen! Loving the color. Congrats on being featured in the magazine. You deserve it with all your beautiful treats.


Elle February 19, 2008 um 2:16 am

The macarons look fantastic and HOT, but Whoooo-hooo for the cover of the Dessert magazine AND being the first recipes inside. They did a nice job and it is fun to hear the sound of pages turning as you move to the next page online. Very cool! Congrats.


Cakebrain February 19, 2008 um 5:46 am

your macarons look fantastic! I like how you have a secret surprise sandwiched inside and then you gilded the lily with sanding sugar too!


Bungeegal February 19, 2008 um 5:57 am

OMGosh, exciting to have your delectables on a magazine cover! Can’t say I’m surprised…your pictures are practically edible and your writings about the food is equally tasty! Congrats!


eatme_delicious February 19, 2008 um 7:19 am

Your photos and baked goods are beautiful! They definitely deserve to be on the cover. ๐Ÿ™‚


Anonymous February 19, 2008 um 7:37 am

Congrats on making it to the cover! With a talent like yours, it’s only about time ๐Ÿ˜‰ Beautiful macarons, as always. I still have yet to muster enough courage to try them out! Soon nuf I hope. Hehe ๐Ÿ˜›


Anonymous February 19, 2008 um 2:57 pm

Gorgeous! I love it! Great news on the magazine too.. congrats!


Half Baked February 19, 2008 um 3:04 pm

Congrats on the cover! Way to go…great photo! The macaroons look beautiful!


Cookie baker Lynn February 19, 2008 um 4:27 pm

Woo hoo! Congrats on making the cover of a magazine! Your macarons are so fun. How can you top pink, sparkly, with a hidden candy in the center? Fabulous!


Deborah February 19, 2008 um 7:54 pm

I am constantly impressed by you!!


AngiePangie February 20, 2008 um 1:31 am

Congrats! How exciting! You’ve hit the big time! : )

Macarons look fantastic, my red-hot loving friend will appreciate these on her birthday!


Vineela February 20, 2008 um 2:59 am

Hi ,
macarons looks great.congrats helen
thanks for the wonderful round up.
vineela


monica February 20, 2008 um 3:01 am

i love you helen!!! thanks for such inspiring words…and i WILL be back ๐Ÿ™‚


Oye Cookie! February 20, 2008 um 3:03 am

congrats on the cover!! those hot tamale macaroons sound great. i love hot tamales!! target sells a big ol' box for something like 99 cents! can’t compare to these i’m sure!

jennifer
www.oyecookie.com


Jaime February 20, 2008 um 4:26 am

your macaroons looks so sparkly and beautiful! congrats on the cover, that is so cool!


Parisbreakfasts February 20, 2008 um 3:55 pm

WOW WOW WOW!
&
OMG!
EXCELLENT
No one deserves it more Tarty!
Felicitations etc
Carolg


Lis February 20, 2008 um 4:09 pm

Now those have to be the cutest macarons I’ve seen! Love the sparkly sugar!

Congrats on the cover! WOOO!!

xoxo


Rama February 20, 2008 um 7:38 pm

These macarons look so cooland congrats on making the cover…..


Anonymous February 20, 2008 um 10:49 pm

Holy cow! That is fantastic! Congrats!!!


OohLookBel February 21, 2008 um 1:59 am

Valentine macarons after all! They look so special with the sparkles on. And congrats also on being a 'cover girl'.


Jen Yu February 22, 2008 um 11:51 am

Helene, do you know that you are absolutely amazing?! Congrats on the cover of the magazine (I’d put you on the cover of every magazine – even Popular Mechanics – hee hee)! But those macarons, you have outdone yourself. They are so pretty and creative and a labor of love. Cheers to you and your very lucky guy ๐Ÿ™‚ And I just want to say that I adore your mom, what a sweetheart she is!


How To Eat A Cupcake February 22, 2008 um 5:36 pm

I need to try macarons! Yours look fabulous! ๐Ÿ™‚ ๐Ÿ™‚


Anonymous February 22, 2008 um 8:15 pm

Wow–these are gorgeous and inspiring. Thank you. Would love to give them a shot at home!


Lesley February 23, 2008 um 3:07 pm

Felicitations Helene, c’est genial!


Sneige March 4, 2008 um 10:28 am

I must give the macaroons a second try because my first one was not satisfactory enough…
Yours look professional! ๐Ÿ™‚


Anonymous April 22, 2008 um 8:34 pm

Wow, those are beautiful. I can’t believe that people make macarons. I think of them as a purchased item. ๐Ÿ™‚ Very beautiful!


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