Pecan Macarons

These macarons are the tasty result of a fortuitous mistake and a hungry husband.  Originally, I intended to make a macaron version of one of my favorite winter desserts - a buttermilk pecan pie.  Instead, I ended up with a super-delicious pecan punch-to-the-face in macaron form.

Black Sesame & Red Bean Macarons

My husband and I go to his grandmother's house for dinner almost weekly.  She always prepares several elaborate, delicious dishes for us, and we always leave with leftovers.  Unfortunately, Grandma doesn't speak very much English, and I don't speak Mandarin, so it's hard for me to express my gratitude for these excellent dinners in words.  I've learned the Mandarin word for "thank you", but it never seems like enough.

This week, I decided I was going to bake something for Grandma.  She doesn't bake herself, and she usually seems to like the things I make for her.

Earl Grey Macarons with Honey & Rosewater Buttercream

Macarons seem to be popping up all over the Internet recently.  They're pretty, dainty, delicate little pastries, and I very quickly decided I wanted to give them a try.  After reading about some of the interesting flavor variations (basil & lime! black sesame! champagne!) I became even more intrigued.  They seem like a very versatile little cookie.  And buttercream is often sandwiched between them.  I do love buttercream...