A gorgeous, colourful French macaroon (macaron) recipe

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C Fan, Gas Mark 4). Sift the ground almonds and the icing sugar together onto a piece of baking parchment then sift again.
2. Using a freestanding electric mixer (it can be done by hand too), whisk the egg whites or make up the Egg White Powder according to pack instructions. Add the Cream of Tartar and whisk to soft peaks. Reduce the speed and gradually add the caster sugar, then return to a high speed and whisk until the meringue mixture is firm.
3. Remove the bowl from the machine and add the Vanilla Extract and a few drops of Gel Food Colour if desired. Using a large metal spoon, fold in the dry ingredients. The mixture should be smooth and shiny.
4. Using a piping bag fitted with a 1cm (½ inch) nozzle, pipe the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with baking parchment. The macaroons should be approx. 2cm (¾ inch) in diameter, with 2.5cm (1 inch) between each one. Tap the tray from underneath to flatten the mixture slightly.
5. Leave the macaroons for 15 minutes to form a skin and then bake in the centre of the oven for 10 minutes, with the oven door open slightly to let the steam escape. They should rise from the bases a little and be crisp and firm on the top.
6. Remove from the oven and immediately run a little cold water between the baking parchment and the baking tray. This will make it easier to remove them from the paper. Allow 2-3 minutes for them to cool before lifting them off the baking parchment.
7. Leave until completely cool, then sandwich together with the filling. Make sure you use a good amount of filling, as it is always desirable to see a little of it.
8. For the buttercream, beat the butter and icing sugar together until light and fluffy. Add a few drops of Vanilla Extract to taste. To colour the buttercream, add a few drops of your desired Gel Food Colour to the mixture and gently fold in until even colour is achieved.
9. To finish the macaroons, roll the edges in Neon Sugar and spray with Shimmer Spray. Alternatively, leave the macaroons open and dip the iced side in Neon Sugar and top with a Wafer Daisy. Spray lightly with Shimmer Spray to finish.