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Raspberry Macarons

Oh how I love macarons! I know there's supposed to be a battle between the cupcake and the macaron but I don't see why we can't all get along...and all be eaten by me? I bought a macaron cookbook a while back, actually, I bought it before I even tried my first macaron! Luckily it was love at first crunch. I did a tonne of macaron research before attempting my first batch and to be honest, everything I read scared me! They sounded so hard and complicated! What I like about this recipe is that they've simplified it, none of this leaving eggs out for three days business! I'll get to that when I'm more of a pro...if that day ever comes!

My first attempt was for my 23rd birthday. I had a pink and brown theme so I made a batch of the chocolate macarons. Needless to day, they didn't turn out right. They tasted great though! I have now come to the conclusion that everybody screws up their first batch of macarons (if not, please don't burst my bubble) So my next attempt was for a family get together. My mum is Gluten intolerant so I like to try bake things she can enjoy too, thus Macarons are great for her! I decided on raspberry macarons, I followed the instructions very very carefully and wasn't too sure how they'd turn out. I opened the oven and couldn't believe my eyes! They looked like REAL macarons, the right texture and height and everything! I made the raspberry white chocolate ganache next and I think I may have added a little too much colour but boy did it taste good! Next was the taste test...the verdict? AMAZING! Just like a store bought one. Most of the family had never tried a macaron, once they were asking for more I knew my job was done. That's me, spreading the macaron love around the world! (well, at least New Zealand!) Recipe adapted from Womans Weekly Macarons and Biscuits

55g Caster Sugar
Pink Gel or Powder Food Colouring
240g Icing Sugar
120g Ground Almonds
6 Raspberries, fresh or thawed

Raspberry Ganache:
1/4 C Pouring Cream
150g White Chocolate (I like to use good quality eating chocolate like Whittakers)
1 T Raspberry Jam, warmed and sieved