National Macaroon Day
Put together a macaroon taster set with different varieties from different bakeries, or try making your own or having a macaroon-making competition with friends.
Macaroons are easily one of a selection of beloved cookies, and why wouldn’t they be? They offer a deliciously crunchy, coconut-y taste and are actually fairly simple to make!
While the ingredients for macaroons have a history that can be traced back to Italy and France, there’s far more to these cookies than one nation can provide, which is why there seems to be a wide range of regional variations that have popped up all over the world.
National Macaroon Day is a great opportunity to give them all a try, whether it’s the dark spiced coconut flavor from the Dominican Republic or the thick velvety chocolate of the Scottish Macaroon, everyone who enjoys coconut is sure to find one they will really love!
How to Celebrate National Macaroon Day
Days that are meant to celebrate cookies are some of the best days of the calendar year. And National Macaroon Day is no exception! Have tons of fun and enjoy the day by celebrating with some of these delightful and delicious ideas:
Eat Some Macaroons
The best way to celebrate National Macaroon Day is to find and eat a favorite variety of macaroon. If you’re not familiar with macaroons, we strongly encourage you to go out and pick up a dozen varieties and share them with family and friends while you expand your own palette.
Of course, for those who want to keep them all to themselves, certainly no one will be casting any blame!
Almost all macaroons are made with coconut, but some other types of favorite varieties are made with cashews blended in. Other styles might be dipped in or drizzled with chocolate. Now is the time to decide about which is the best kind!
Try Making Macaroons
For those who are feeling adventurous or at least from a culinary standpoint, why not try making a batch or two of macaroons in the kitchen at home?
There are some great recipes online that should be fairly easy to follow, and it is certainly possible to find recipes for some of the most interesting and exciting variations!
Of course, one way to get started might be with basic French macaroons. But, why not try something a little bit different?
Champagne macaroons with a sprinkling of edible gold is the perfect recipe to try for those with a taste for the lavish who are looking for an interesting baking challenge!
Other recipes that will have that mouth watering include dark chocolate amaretto macaroons, vegan macaroons, and chocolate chip macaroons. Which one sounds the most appealing?
Host a National Macaroon Day Gathering
A great idea for celebrating National Macaroon Day is to get your friends around and enjoy a delicious afternoon tea treat.
Afternoon tea has become very popular as of late, with themed afternoon teas offered in hotels, restaurants, and cafes all around the world.
In celebration of this day, it might be fun to host an afternoon tea event, with macaroons being the star of the show, of course. Invite some friends over and offer an array of tea choices to go along with some homemade or bakery made coconut macaroons.
Host a Macaroon Bake-off Event
Another fun idea for paying honor to National Macaroon Day might be to host a macaroon cook-off with some bakeworthy friends. It can be like a mini version of a Bake Off show!
Everyone invited to the party can all try to make their best macaroon recipe. At the end, the fun lies in tasting each other’s macaroons and then ranking them from 1 to 10.
The person with the highest score can be declared the winner. It might be extra nice to supply the winner with a nice treat as a prize. This is a great way to spend National Macaroon Day and have some fun with the people that you love.
Learn About National Macaroon Day
National Macaroon Day is a celebration of these sweet, little treats. For those who have never had a macaroon before, it’s about time because they are seriously missing out!
In honor of National Macaroon Day, it is important to note that there are two cookies with extremely similar names that sometimes get mixed up. This day is about the macaroon, a coconut based drop cookie that is fairly simple to make.
Another cookie that tastes and looks very different but sounds similar is the macaron (*note there is only one “o” in this one), a French cookie made with a base of almond flour in a wide range of flavors, but it can be very fussy to make. Find out more about this little sandwich cookie on National Macaron Day.
History of National Macaroon Day
The history of National Macaroon Day starts in a place you might not imagine, an Italian monastery. You see, it was from this monastery that the macaroon recipe originated, eventually being brought to France and presented to the wife of King Henry the II, Catherine de Medici.
For those who don’t know, Catherine de Medici held a position that was perhaps even more enviable than being the wife of a King. She was the daughter of the Medici family, one of the two powerful banking families of their time (the other being the Fuggers).
With such powerful family connections, she could have had her choice of any confection in the world at the time, but it was the Macaroon she fell in love with.
Later in the Macaroon’s history came a bit of divine providence as two Benedictine nuns fled to Nancy, France, fleeing the persecution that was rife during the Revolution.
While they were hiding out they decided they needed to have a way to support themselves and became renowned as the “Macaroon Sisters” for their daily delivery of delicious cookies.
Coconut macaroons also have a history that can be traced through the culture of Italian Jews, due to the fact that they don’t have any flour or leavening, making it a perfect food for eating during the Passover celebration.
National Macaroon Day honors this ancient history and delicious tradition by encouraging you to go out and indulge in your favorite variety, and perhaps explore a few more!
National Macaroon Day FAQs
How did macaroons inspire wartime ingenuity?
During World War II, macaroons gained popularity as a creative use for coconut, a widely available ingredient at the time.
Bakers experimented with macaroons to craft a treat that didn’t require wheat or flour, which were rationed. This adaptability solidified their place as a versatile and beloved dessert.
Why are macaroons common in kosher diets?
Macaroons are naturally grain-free and unleavened, making them a staple for Passover.
Beyond that, they’re also used in kosher kitchens due to their simple ingredient list. This quality has made them a go-to dessert for many Jewish households worldwide.
What’s the connection between macaroons and Caribbean culture?
In Caribbean countries like Trinidad and Tobago, macaroons are crafted with a local twist.
Bakers add spices like cinnamon and nutmeg or tropical flavors such as pineapple. These regional adaptations highlight how global cuisines make macaroons their own.
Are there savory versions of macaroons?
While traditionally sweet, some chefs have explored savory macaroon recipes.
Ingredients like cheese, herbs, and even bacon have been used. These versions provide a surprising twist on the classic treat, appealing to adventurous palates.
How do macaroons reflect sustainability efforts?
Coconut macaroons highlight the sustainable use of coconut, a plant where every part is utilized.
Coconut-based treats minimize waste since they use the grated flesh, often a byproduct in other recipes. This efficiency aligns with eco-friendly baking trends.
What is the significance of macaroons in Italian monasteries?
Italian monks and nuns historically baked macaroons as a fundraising tool.
They sold the cookies to sustain their monasteries and convents. This practice spread to other countries, embedding macaroons in both religious and culinary history.
Can macaroons be made without coconut?
Yes, almond-based macaroons are also popular, especially in regions where almonds are more common than coconuts.
Italian amaretti cookies, a close cousin to macaroons, are made using ground almonds. These variations showcase the adaptability of the recipe.
How do macaroons play a role in gluten-free baking trends?
Long before gluten-free diets became trendy, macaroons were a natural choice for those avoiding wheat.
Their reliance on coconut or almond flour makes them inherently gluten-free. Today, they’re still celebrated as a classic dessert for those with dietary restrictions.
Why are macaroons often dipped in chocolate?
Adding chocolate to macaroons enhances their flavor and extends their shelf life.
The chocolate coating acts as a barrier, keeping the cookie moist. This addition became a popular variation in the mid-20th century and remains a favorite today.
What are some festivals dedicated to macaroons?
The French town of Montmorillon hosts an annual macaroon festival celebrating the town’s long history with the treat.
Visitors enjoy baking contests, tastings, and historical exhibits. These events highlight the enduring charm of macaroons in French culture.
Need some inspiration?
Check out these videos for some extra inspiration in getting involved!
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