Raspberry & Chocolate Macarons

Step 1

Before starting this Raspberry & Chocolate Macarons recipe, make sure you have organised the necessary ingredients for the milk chocolate crémeux.

Step 2

For the milk chocolate crémeux: In a saucepan, pour the whipping cream, the whole milk...

Step 3

... and glucose syrup.

Step 4

Bring to a boil.

Step 5

Combine the egg yolks with a whisk.

Step 6

When the milk reaches 35/40°C...

Step 7

... pour a small amount in the egg yolks and whisk.

Step 8

Add the egg yolk preparation to the boiling milk and cream...

Step 9

... and cook 'à la nappe' (i.e. until the consistency is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon). The temperature shouldn't exceed 80 or 85°C.

Step 10

I recommend using a digital thermometer for this operation.

Step 11

When cooked, pour the preparation over the milk chocolate couverture, passing it through a chinois or fine sieve.

Step 12

Gently combine with a rubber spatula.

Step 13

Pour the chocolate crémeux in a high, narrow recipient (jug with pouring spout).

Step 14

Process with a hand blender until smooth and homogeneous.

Step 15

Transfer into a recipient...

Step 16

... and place cling film on the surface of the cream. Reserve in the fridge overnight.

Step 17

For the macaron shells: Organise all the necessary ingredients.

Step 18

Sift the tant pour tant...

Step 19

... over a sheet of greaseproof paper.

Step 20

Pour the water in a saucepan...

Step 21

... and add the castor sugar. Place over medium heat until you obtain a cooked sugar.

Step 22

In the meantime, tip 75 grams of egg whites in the stand mixer recipient.

Step 23

When the sugar reaches 105/106°C...

Step 24

... turn the mixer on and beat the egg whites until firm. The egg whites should be at room temperature.

Step 25

Continue cooking the sugar until it reaches 118°C. I recommend using a digital or laser thermometer for this operation.

Step 26

Gradually add the cooked sugar to the beaten egg whites, pouring it against the inner side of the bowl. During this operation, make sure the mixer is set on low speed to ensure a good incorporation of the sugar.

Step 27

When homogeneous, add the colouring powder. Preferably, use a water-soluble colouring powder.

Step 28

Colouring powders are very effective. I recommend working with very small quantities, Add some red colouring with the tip of a knife.

Step 29

If necessary, adjust the colour intensity by adding more powder...

Step 30

...but make the powder is completely incorporated first. Add a few drops of raspberry flavouring to flavour the shells. Continue beating the pink meringue until cooled down completely.

Step 31

Meanwhile, combine 75 grams of egg whites with the sifted tant pour tant.

Step 32

The ingredients should form a paste that is quite compact and homogeneous.

Step 33

Gradually incorporate the Italian meringue to the tant pour tant and egg white mix.

Step 34

Use a rubber spatula or dough scraper for a gentle operation. The consistency should be semi-liquid.

Step 35

Pour the macaron batter into a piping bag fitted with a plain nozzle.

Step 36

Place a Silpat macaron sheet on a Silichef perforated baking sheet.

Step 37

Pipe the macaron preparation, using the printed shapes as a guide. This will help you create perfectly round and regular macarons.

Step 38

Tap the baking sheet on your workbench a couple of times to create a smooth surface.

Step 39

Bake at 160°C (gas for 10 to 12 minutes, preferably in a fan-assisted oven.

Step 40

When cooked, remove from the oven. Leave to cool before you remove the macarons from the mat.

Step 41

A perfect macaron shell should develop a textured foot (or crown) all around the base.

Step 42

Assembling the macarons: Scoop the milk chocolate crémeux into a piping bag. Pipe a small knob of chocolate filling on the flat of a macaron shell.

Step 43

Place another macaron shell on top, so that the flat side is in contact with the chocolate cream. Press gently.

Step 44

Arrange the macaron in a clear box if you're making them as a gift.Depending on the type of filling, the macarons might need to be stored in the fridge (as it is the case for this recipe with the milk chocolate crémeux).

Step 45

Repeat with remaining macaron shells and filling.Enjoy this delicious treat!