Learn to make Macarons and more at Taylor's University!

"More and more bakeries are introducing the macaron in their menus as this sweet sensation sweeps through the Klang Valley," says a leading local English newspaper, in opening up a fluff story about macarons. While the terms 'sweep' and 'sensation' are perhaps open to personal interpretation, it's clear that Macarons have been getting more attention in Kay-El of late. And what's not to love? Macarons combine fuss-free finger eating with a myriad of colours and flavours limited only by the baker's imagination. The only criticism, perhaps, is that it might be too sweet for some taste buds.

Anyways, the darling and I find ourselves on a Sunday afternoon, in Taylor's University's Pastry Kitchen with award winning Chef Karam for a quick and easy class on how to bake Macarons. Chef Karam has over 20 years of kitchen experience prior to joining the academic field, so we know we're in good hands!


After a quick demonstration by the Chef, we're let loose into the kitchen to whip up our own batch of Macarons!

Step 1: Mix crushed almonds, sugar, and egg whites.


Step 2: Boil some sugar.


Step 3: Add the boiling sugar to more egg whites and whisk.


Step 4: Fold in the crushed almond mixture.


Step 5: Mix in the food colouring of your choice.


Step 6: Spoon the mixture into a icing bag.


Step 7: Pipe the mixture onto baking sheets (yes, I know, I badly needed a haircut months ago).


Step 8: Admire your handiwork. Or as in my case, lack thereof.


Step 9: Bake!


Step 10: Leave your macarons to cool while you work on the filling.


Step 11: Use more icing bags to pipe jam, butter cream, chocolate ganache, or whatever you fancy, and sandwich the macarons.


Done!


You'll have noticed that we haven't provided any actual measurements or detailed steps - we're holding off for now because we want to try again in our own home kitchen. Because, you know, how many of us have industrial strength ovens and food service-style baking trays sitting in our kitchens? We'll cook up a batch in our home and will give you the recipe soon, promise!

For me, the hardest part of making the Macarons was probably the process of piping the unbaked mixture onto the baking sheets/trays. I guess I lack the skill and dexterity to get them round and uniform. Nothing a little practice can't change, of course :)

And if you're interested in learning more, Taylor's University offers weekend classes - typically over 2 months - covering cooking, baking and pastry making, both basic and intermediate levels. For details, please contact Ms. Anne Tay at 014-633 5114 / 603-5629 5000 (Ext: 5780) or email cpe@taylors.edu.my.