Macarons, colourful, fluffy and delicately flavoured biscuits

Despite having the simplest ingredients, they are very hard to perfect, so to produce a macaron of quality represents one of baking’s highest achievements.

Chef Pâtissier Katie shares her recipe and tips:

Five facts about Macarons

1) They did not originate from France

They came from Italy originally in the 16th century and were brought to France at the request of Catherine de Medici, queen of France in 1547-1559 is said to have been particularly fond of them. Legend has it that she was saved from starvation by eating macarons. 

2) The name ‘Macaron’ comes from the Italian word ‘maccarone’ which means ‘paste.’

3) Macarons are commonly given as a dinner party gift in France. They are in fact the most popular biscuit sold in France. 

4) Macarons are made with almonds and are an excellent source of protein. They are healthy!

5) Ladurée the luxury French bakery is one of the world’s best-known leading sellers of the macaroons, selling over 4,000,000 macarons per year!