Blackberry Lemon Macarons

Blackberry Lemon Macarons: A Delightful French Dessert
Blackberry Lemon Macarons are a delightful French dessert that combines the tangy flavor of lemon with the sweetness of blackberries. These delicate and colorful cookies are perfect for any occasion, from a fancy dinner party to a casual afternoon tea. In this recipe, we will show you how to make these delicious macarons step by step.
Ingredients (makes 20 macarons):

For the macaron shells:

- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 egg whites
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- Purple food coloring

For the blackberry lemon filling:

- 1/2 cup blackberries
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg yolk

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the almond flour and powdered sugar. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy. Add the cream of tartar and salt, and continue to beat until soft peaks form.
4. Gradually add the granulated sugar to the egg whites, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
5. Add the lemon zest and a few drops of purple food coloring to the egg white mixture, and gently fold in the almond flour mixture until fully combined.
6. Transfer the macaron batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip, and pipe 1-inch circles onto the prepared baking sheet.
7. Tap the baking sheet on a flat surface a few times to release any air bubbles, and let the macarons rest for 30 minutes.
8. Bake the macarons for 15-18 minutes, or until they are set and slightly golden on top. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet.
9. While the macarons are cooling, prepare the blackberry lemon filling. In a small saucepan, combine the blackberries, lemon juice, and granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat until the blackberries have broken down and the mixture has thickened, about 10 minutes.
10. Strain the blackberry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, and let it cool to room temperature.
11. In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and egg yolk until light and fluffy. Gradually add the blackberry mixture to the butter mixture, and beat until fully combined.
12. Transfer the blackberry lemon filling to a piping bag fitted with a round tip, and pipe a small amount onto the flat side of one macaron shell. Top with another macaron shell to create a sandwich.
13. Repeat with the remaining macaron shells and filling.
14. Serve the Blackberry Lemon Macarons immediately, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Appearance and Taste:
Blackberry Lemon Macarons are a beautiful and colorful dessert that will impress your guests. The delicate macaron shells are light and crispy on the outside, with a chewy and slightly sweet interior. The blackberry lemon filling is tangy and sweet, with a hint of buttery richness. The combination of flavors and textures is simply divine.
Type of Dish: French Dessert
Main Ingredients: Almond Flour, Blackberries, Lemon Juice