Strawberry Shortcake Macaroons

What's on your bucket list?  I've been asking people this question to people that I meet lately and it turns out - you can find out a whole lot about a person with just that one simple question.  Where are the places that they dream about visiting and what are the things that they long to achieve?

One of the places on MY bucket list is ALASKA.  And I'm super happy to announce that we are going to make that bucket list trip this summer!  (I'm so excited I can hardly stand it.)  Consider this your warning that the blog WILL be bombarded with Alaska pictures the minute that we return.  :)

Maybe it's just because I love to bake but I also have a baking bucket list.  What's a baking bucket list you ask?  A list of things that I want to bake but I'm afraid to try because I'm afraid that they're too complicated or simply because I don't feel qualified.  One of the things on my baking bucket list is macaroons. 

I've had a fascination with macaroons for a long time.  They're just the most perfect, delicate and delicious little treat.  It's mostly a lack of confidence that's kept me from tackling this delicate treat.  The list of ingredients isn't long and the instructions are fairly straightforward but for whatever reason - I was completely intimidated by the macaroon. 

Well, today is the day that I stepped up, made my first macaroon and crossed this tasty little treat off my baking bucket list.  No more excuses.  Spoiler alert - they turned out great!!

Strawberry Shortcake Macaroons

• 2/3 cup almond flour
• 1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
• 4 oz. egg whites, about 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 tsp. vanilla
  

Beat egg whites in mixer with whisk attachment until soft peaks form.

Gradually add sugar and vanilla while mixer is running.  Beat on high until stiff peaks form.

Combine almond flour and powdered sugar.  Fold into sugar mixture. 

Trace 1-1 1/2 inch circles onto parchment paper. Place paper on a baking sheet.

Scoop mixture into piping bag fitted with a large round tip.

Pipe filling into each of the circles on the parchment paper.  Let sit on counter for 2 hours to dry.

Bake 15-17 minutes in a 300 degree oven.  Let cool completely. 

Fill with a dollop of whipped cream and some freshly sliced strawberries for the cutest strawberry shortcake macaroon ever.  

Serve any extra macaroons in a bowl with some fresh cream. 

So, I want to know - what is on YOUR bucket list?  Leave me a comment and tell me about the places that you dream of visiting or the crazy things that you want to accomplish.

Ciao!

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