Tiramisu Macarons

Tiramisu Macarons: A Decadent Italian-French Fusion
Tiramisu Macarons are a delightful fusion of Italian and French cuisine, combining the rich flavors of tiramisu with the delicate texture of macarons. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, from a fancy dinner party to a casual afternoon tea. In this recipe, we will guide you through the process of making these delicious treats step by step.
Ingredients (makes 12 macarons):

For the macarons:

- 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
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt

For the filling:

- 4 oz mascarpone cheese, room temperature
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp espresso or strong coffee
- Cocoa powder, for dusting

Cooking tips:

- Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
- Sift the powdered sugar and almond flour together to ensure a smooth texture.
- Use a piping bag with a round tip to pipe the macarons onto the baking sheet.
- Let the macarons cool completely before filling them.

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 with an electric mixer until foamy. Add the cream of tartar, vanilla extract, and salt, and continue to beat until soft peaks form.
4. Gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
5. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg whites until the mixture is smooth and shiny.
6. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag with a round tip and pipe 24 circles onto the prepared baking sheet.
7. Tap the baking sheet on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles, then let the macarons rest for 30 minutes to form a skin.
8. Bake the macarons for 15-18 minutes, until they are set but not browned. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet.
9. While the macarons are cooling, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and espresso until smooth and creamy.
10. Transfer the filling to a piping bag with a round tip and pipe a dollop onto the flat side of half of the macarons.
11. Top each filled macaron with another macaron, flat side down, to create a sandwich.
12. Dust the tops of the macarons with cocoa powder and serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Appearance and taste:
Tiramisu Macarons are a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. The delicate macaron shells are crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside, while the creamy filling is rich and decadent, with a hint of espresso and vanilla. The dusting of cocoa powder adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to these beautiful treats.
Type of dish: Dessert
Main ingredients: Almond flour, mascarpone cheese, espresso