Blackberry Basil Macarons

Blackberry Basil Macarons: A Delicious French Dessert
Blackberry Basil Macarons are a delightful French dessert that combines the sweet and tangy flavors of blackberries with the fresh and aromatic taste of basil. These macarons are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a fancy dinner party or a casual afternoon tea.
Ingredients (makes 12 macarons):

For the macaron shells:

- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup almond flour
- 2 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
- Purple food coloring

For the blackberry basil filling:

- 1/2 cup fresh blackberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together the powdered sugar and almond flour. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and continue to beat until soft peaks form.
4. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue to beat until stiff peaks form. Add a few drops of purple food coloring and mix until the color is evenly distributed.
5. Gently fold the almond flour mixture into the egg whites until the batter is smooth and shiny.
6. Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe 1-inch circles onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each macaron.
7. Tap the baking sheet on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles. Let the macarons sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to form a skin.
8. Bake the macarons for 15-18 minutes, or until they are set and slightly firm to the touch. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet.
9. While the macarons are cooling, make the blackberry basil filling. In a small saucepan, combine the blackberries, sugar, and basil. Cook over medium heat until the blackberries have broken down and the mixture has thickened, about 10 minutes.
10. Remove the blackberry mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the blackberry mixture and beat until well combined.
11. Transfer the filling to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe a small amount of filling onto the flat side of one macaron shell, then top with another shell to make a sandwich.
12. Repeat with the remaining macarons and filling. Store the macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Appearance and Taste:
Blackberry Basil Macarons are a beautiful shade of purple with a smooth and shiny surface. The filling is a vibrant pink color and has a sweet and tangy flavor with a hint of fresh basil. The macaron shells are light and airy with a slightly chewy texture. When you bite into a Blackberry Basil Macaron, you'll experience a burst of fruity and herbal flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Type: French Dessert
Main Ingredients: Blackberries, Basil, Cream Cheese
In conclusion, Blackberry Basil Macarons are a delicious and elegant dessert that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. With their beautiful appearance and complex flavors, these macarons are sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire.