When I face a challenge in the kitchen I usually face it head on. With perseverance and a big helping of luck I often succeed. Macarons are a whole different matter. As I had an egg white left from the mini cheesecakes rather than throwing it away I decided I would put it one side to age so I could have yet another attempt at macarons. This time I decided to ditch the French method that I had unsuccessfully used the two previous times and try the Italian method.
It went well until I dropped the egg white. As I had already prepped the rest of the ingredients I decided to soldier on and use a new egg. I then made a stupid error with one of my scales. The more frustrated I got the more schoolgirl errors I made. The final straw was when the mixture that appeared to be running in perfect lava-like ribbons poured straight out of the piping bag.
Let’s just say it’s going to be a while before I try them again because 1) it’s not a good look swearing at inanimate objects in the kitchen 2) I hate wasting good ingredients. Good job my local Morrisons has started to sell surprisingly good macarons for £4 for 8 alternatively I’ll go for the old school and failsafe coconut macaroons. Those I know I can make.
What is your nemesis in the kitchen?
17 comments
lisa procter
February 17, 2012 at 8:07 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Ah no. Well atleast you keep trying!
I was going to attempt these one day but as I’m not exactly the best baker in town…think I may leave it for a while! Haha.
If you do manage to get a pretty easy recipe that works, I’d love to know it!
Thank you
x
Susan
February 17, 2012 at 8:16 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Jules, I love that you posted this — so heartening that wonderful cooks have nemeses. Macarons intimidate the crap out of me. Hard to think of any other specific nemesis in the kitchen (probably because I have so many) …
Jacqueline
February 17, 2012 at 8:40 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Awww, what a shame Jules. I am glad it isn’t just me that has those moments. I usually keep trying and wait until I have figured it out before blogging whatever it is, but this is refreshing and makes me feel better about my disasters :)
Elly @theVCBT
February 17, 2012 at 10:55 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Meringues! To be fair, I’ve only attempted them twice, but both times they have wept, cracked and sunk. Of course I still ate them…
lazygiraffe
February 17, 2012 at 11:07 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Oh what a shame they didn’t come out :(
They are very much dependant on so many factors, especially as all ovens are different.
Good tip about Morrisons selling them though ;)
thelittleloaf
February 17, 2012 at 1:14 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Oh what a shame! I hate it when things go wrong in the kitchen and it happens to everyone – I think it’s important for us all to remember that so I love you for posting this.
I’ve always used Ottolenghi’s macaron recipe and it works every time – I swear it’s all about the recipe not the technique :-) Also, just as an aside, I think people are a bit too obsessed with making macarons – they do look very beautiful but they’re a bit twee for my taste. I’ve made lots and posted a few in my time, but on balance I’d prefer a big slab of gorgeous chocolate brownie!
Jules
February 21, 2012 at 9:56 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
I may have to try that method. I have to agree, can’t beat a slab of cake!
Domestic Executive
February 17, 2012 at 7:53 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Blasted Victoria Sponge. Despite all the wonderful advice you’ve given me it still doesn’t turn out as it should. But I haven’t given up yet!
laura@howtocookgoodfood
February 17, 2012 at 8:48 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Great to see that macaroons are just not easy to make. Most people seem to say they only crack it after a few goes. Trouble is, there are so many wonderful things to bake that are easy that I just don’t know if those blasted macarons warrant such effort!
James B
February 18, 2012 at 11:04 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
I have yet to pluck up the balls to make macarons yet! They fill me with dread just the name.
Clare
February 18, 2012 at 11:16 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Love your blog, it’s nice to see I’m not the only one who has kitchen nemeses. This is a blog I came across which I think you might enjoy, she’s had a similar battle with macarons you might find heartening :)
http://www.poiresauchocolat.net/2011/02/macarons.html
C
February 18, 2012 at 6:59 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Pity about your macarons, but glad to know it’s not just me that fails on various things! I don’t think I have a particular nemesis (because I’m too loath to waste ingredients to try new and exciting things!) but I struggle to get sweet breads to cook and not burn. V frustrating.
Cakeboule
February 18, 2012 at 9:12 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
OMG macarons as they made me cry with sheer frustration! Never have attempted them again although they tasted OK I can not make them perfectly! One day they will not beat me!
Tracy
February 19, 2012 at 11:23 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Macarons are my nemesis too. I have decided to give up on them and just tell myself they are too trendy and hip for my country kitchen. The ones I have made have tasted ok but they really do not have that visual appeal that I’ve seen in the shops.
Tracy
Jules
February 21, 2012 at 9:54 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Thank you everyone. Glad to see I’m not the only one who struggles with them.
Fuss Free Helen
February 26, 2012 at 11:56 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Start with chocolate ones using the French method. For some reason the cocoa powder makes the batter behave far better. I spent a weekend and made about 6 batches and just about got it at the end.
Jules
February 26, 2012 at 2:56 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Thank you Helen. Will try using cocoa next time.