French Macaroons at Bakelab

Yesterday in celebration of my friend Tania's birthday, we spent the afternoon at the Bakelab learning how to make french macaroons!

We were partnered up 2 per workstation.  

Here's our ingredients set out for us to measure out.

This is an industrial sized food processor.  We hand to process the almond meal with the powered sugar to get a fine consistency.

 This is the marshmallow-y texture you need to get the meringue whipped to before adding the almond meal and powdered sugar.

 Then you just fold the mixture and pipe onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet.

 This is Kristin, our teacher and owner of Bakelab.  She was great.  Not only did she teach/show us how to bake, but educated us on the science of how baking works with these little delicate treats.  Besides macaroons, she does classes for a number of different treats.  You can check them out on her website.

 And here's our cookies out of the oven...

 on the rack to cool off.

For the sake of time, Kristin pre-made the chocolate ganache and brought a jar of strawberry preserves for us to sandwich.

I feel very confident that I can turn out a batch at home.  Can't wait to try it : )