Blue Coconut Macarons with French Buttercream

Ingredients:
3 egg whites, aged*
5 tbsp granulated sugar
2/3 cup almond flour
1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
1/2 tsp coconut extract
1/2 tsp rum extract
8 drops of neon blue food coloring


Method:


In a food processor, process almond flour and confectioners sugar until well mixed. Sift the mixture through sieve, and divide in half.

In a medium sized mixing bowl, whip egg whites until foamy.

While beating on high, slowly add sugar. When soft peaks form, add extracts and food coloring if desired.

Beat until stiff peaks,has a glossy texture, and mixture doesn't drip from the beaters.

Into the whipped merengue, fold in the first half of the almond mixture. When just blended, add additional dry mixture, folding until mixture is blended.

Be careful not to over-mix!

Place mixture in a piping bag fitted with round tip.

On to a parchment lined baking sheet, pipe in small circles, about the size of a quarter; leaving room for the batter to spread.

Rap sheet firmly against the counter, or flat surface. This helps the macaron to get it's pied shape.

Before baking, let batter dry, uncovered for 30 minutes.

Heat oven to 300. Bake for 15-17 minutes. Cool completely.

Pipe a small amount of french buttercream on flat side of macaron, top with other half making a sandwich. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Makes about 2 1/2 dozen filled macarons.

* Aged egg whites: Covered and set at room temperature overnight.

Coconut French Buttercream Filling

Ingredients:
•3 eggs
•2/3 cup granulated sugar
•2/3 cup water
•1 tsp coconut extract
•1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, and stirred.


Method:


In a medium sized mixing bowl, beat eggs for about 5 minutes.

Eggs should be light and fluffy.

In a small sauce pan, heat water and sugar over medium high heat.

Cook until mixture comes to a soft ball stage. To test, spoon a small amount of mixture into a glass of cold water, if the syrup forms into a ball that can be picked up, it is ready.

While mixer is running, pour a fine, thread like stream into the egg mixture. Beat mixture until the bottom of the mixing bowl is cool to touch .

Add softened butter in 2-3 separate increments. The frosting will dramatically change texture. Do not be alarmed!!

Keep beating and it will lighten and become smooth again, about 5-7 minutes.

When adding flavoring, the butter cream will separate again.

Repeat beating process until smooth again.

Fill macarons with a small amount of buttercream. Leftovers may be refrigerated or frozen for next use; mixing well after becoming room temperature.

Makes about 2 1/2-3 cups