Beautiful pastel pink, heart shaped Italian meringue macarons. Perfect gift for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day or an Anniversary.
Italian Meringue Heart Macarons
Because Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, I bring you Italian meringue macarons.
I thought I’d intensify the lurrvvee and make them heart shaped and pastel pink because everyone knows things taste better when they’re a novelty shape and colour. You with me girls?
So bust out that Barry White CD (or MP3 if you’ve modernised yourself!), light those candles that have been under the sink gathering dust for a year and wow your loved one with some Valentine’s Day themed macarons.
But of course these don’t have to be made for Valentine’s Day. They’re great any time of the year. They can be tinted any colour of your choice, and they also make a great gift idea whether it’s Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day or an anniversary.
Italian Meringue Macarons
Yield: 50 macarons
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Beautiful pastel pink, heart shaped Italian meringue macarons. Perfect gift for Valentine's Day or Mother's Day.
Ingredients:
- 200g (approx. 6) egg whites
- 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar
- 200g (approx. ⅔ cup) icing (confectioners’) sugar
- 200g (2 cups) ground almonds
- 100ml (approx. 3.4 fl oz) water
- food colour (optional)
Directions:
- Prepare baking sheets with parchment paper. If needed, use the large end of a piping tip or a small heart cookie cutter as templates, drawing on the reverse side of the parchment.
- In a food processor, pulse the icing (confectioners’) sugar with the ground almonds until fine, then sift together into a large bowl and set aside.
- Add the egg whites in the mixer bowl and reserve 1 tbsp of egg whites if you intend to add food colouring.
- Place the sugar and water into a small saucepan and bring to the boil over a medium heat. Using a sugar thermometer, allow to boil until the syrup reaches 115℃/239℉ then start whisking the eggs on medium gradually increasing speed until white and fluffy.
- Once the syrup reaches 121°C/250°F, turn the speed of the mixer to low and carefully add the sugar syrup into the egg whites. Once incorporated, continue whisking until the meringue cools to room temperature. (approx. 5-10 minutes).
- (Optional) Add food colouring to the reserved egg white and add to the remaining mixture until desired colour is reached.
- Fold the icing (confectioners’) sugar and ground almonds mixture into the egg white mixture in three steps using a rubber spatula. Consistency is key here. It should keep a round shape when piped but not be too stiff that the tops aren’t flat.
- Use a little of the macaroni mix to to secure the parchment to the baking sheets then using a small round piping tip (I used a Wilton #12), pipe circles or hearts.
- Leave the macarons to form skins for 15-30 minutes, using this time to preheat the oven to 150°C/300°F/Gas Mark 2 then bake for approx. 15 minutes, turning the sheets halfway. When done, the macarons will have a dry egg shell like skin on the top without browning.
- As soon as they are done, remove the parchment from the baking sheet, macarons attached, onto a cool surface (granite, wet dish towel). Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes and remove.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days and sandwich with your favourite filling (jam, ganache or frosting) on the day you’ll be enjoying.
I originally guest posted this over on The Frugal Girls.
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Oooh yum!
These valentines heart macarons are looking sooooooooooooooo beautiful
Hi, I saw these on Frugal Girls today and thought they looked wonderful! I have to get some almonds and will be ready to make my own. I’ve been meaning to for some time. Great post!
These ♥ shape macs looks too cute to be eaten. I know I would love to receive them anytime ;). xoxo
OMG LISA these are adorable! I’m heading over to check out the post but these look perfect for V-Day!
Oh my gosh these are ADORABLE 🙂
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
These are so cute and look delicious! Found you through The Frugal Girls! I have a new Pinterest Power party and would love to have you share this and any other recipes you have!
http://www.thetaylor-house.com/2013/01/31/pinterest-power-party-4.html
Thanks!
Chrissy
Hello!
I found your blog on the Crafty Spices blog hop and I’m your newest follower on Facebook:) Your Italian Meringue Valentine’s Heart Macarons look so good:) Have a great weekend!
Carissa
Lillies & SIlk
Look how cute these are! I’ve been cutting everything into hearts lately….love Valentine’s Day
Connie
LOVE LOVE LOVE.
Show and Tell Saturday is LIVE at Sassy Little Lady! I’d love to have you come join the party!
http://www.sassylittlelady.com/blog/show-and-tell-saturday/show-and-tell-saturday-3
Kathie
These are so dainty and beautiful! I am sure they are delicious, too!
This looks so pretty! Love them! Thanks for sharing at Two Cup Tuesday at Pint Sized Baker . I hope to see you again there tomorrow night!
Those look delicious! I will have to make macaroons soon after seeing these.
Those are so cute. Definitely going to check out how you made them heart shaped!