Donna Hay macaron packet mix

Well, Masterchef helped a lot, but it seems that macarons really have hit the bigtime. Check out my post about macarons back here in 2008 when I thought they might take over from cupcakes. I still think they are a bit less accessible than a cupcake (hence my prediction of the whoopie pie here!), but they are enjoying the spotlight nonetheless.

Donna Hay was super-clever to be the first to bring out a macaron packaged mix to help those of who are intimidated by Adriano Zumbo to take the leap. Have you tried it yet? Clare from mondocherry did an amazing job. As did the product tester at taste.com.au.

I might try adding a few drops of raspberry juice for my big girl's birthday party in September (yes the planning has begun!). Will keep you posted...

You can find Almond Macaron with Chocolate Filling packet mix by Donna Hay in the Donna Hay online store, the Donna Hay General Store in Sydney, as well as various supermarkets.

Image: Donna Hay

Trends: Macarons (Macaroons)

I keep reading about Macarons. These are sometimes referred to as Macaroons, (although technically they are a different cookie made from coconut), Parisian Macarons and French Macarons. I'm talking about those crispy, pastel, sweet treats with the soft centre that look so delicate and pretty.

According to Wikipedia, Macarons are sandwich-like pastries made with two thin cookies and a cream or ganache between the cookies. They are a traditional French pastry from Nancy and are said to date back to the 18th Century.

Macarons are popping up all over the place. They were featured heavily in Sofia Coppola's influential movie Marie Antoinette in 2006, and I have seen them on many blogs recently including (Inside A Black Apple), Babyccino, Syrup & Tang (with a great review of macarons in Sydney and Melbourne), ColourLovers, David Lebovitz, Fashion Week Daily, and Serious Eats, to name just a few.

Two much-revered brands are Pierre Hermé and Ladurée, both based in Paris. For more detailed information about macarons, there is a great post by Chocolate & Zucchini. And if you just can't get enough of macarons, check out images on Flickr.

Images: Top Louis Beche via Flickr ; Middle Marc Kjerland via Flickr ; Bottom ShironekoEuro via Flickr