Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups finely ground almond flour
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large egg whites
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup finely chopped pignoli (pine nuts)
Special Equipment Needed:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Small bowl
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, combine almond flour, confectioners’ sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form.
4. Fold egg whites into almond flour mixture until combined.
5. Gently fold in walnuts and pignoli.
6. Drop tablespoon-sized mounds of batter onto prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
8. Let cool completely before serving.
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: Makes 16 macaroons
Nutritional Information (per macaroon):
Calories: 80
Fat: 5 g
Carbohydrates: 7 g
Protein: 2 g
Substitutions for Ingredients:
- Almond flour: can be substituted with hazelnut flour
- Maple syrup: can be substituted with honey
- Walnuts: can be substituted with pecans
- Pignoli: can be substituted with slivered almonds
Variations:
- Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger for a spicier flavor
- Add 1/4 cup of dried cranberries for a sweet and tart flavor
- Add 1/4 cup of shredded coconut for a tropical flavor
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to beat the egg whites until soft peaks form for a light and fluffy texture.
- For a crunchier texture, bake for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes or until warmed through.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve on a platter with fresh berries and mint leaves.
- Place in a basket lined with a linen napkin.
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar
- Drizzle with melted dark chocolate
Pairings:
- Serve with a cup of hot tea or coffee
- Serve with a glass of cold milk
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Yogurt parfait
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the macaroons are too dry, add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the batter.
- If the macaroons are too wet, add an additional tablespoon of almond flour to the batter.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to use clean utensils and bowls when preparing the batter.
- Make sure to store the macaroons in an airtight container at room temperature.
Food History:
Macaroons have been around since the Middle Ages and were originally made with almond paste and honey. The modern version of macaroons was developed in the 18th century and is now a popular dessert around the world.
Flavor Profiles:
These macaroons have a sweet and nutty flavor with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a dessert after a meal
- Serve as a snack with a cup of coffee or tea
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Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Maple, Crunchy, Maple-Flavored