Daring Bakers October challenge…macarons

The 2009 October Daring Bakers’ challenge was brought to us by Ami S. She chose macarons from Claudia Fleming’s The Last Course: The Desserts of Gramercy Tavern as the challenge recipe.  

Boy was I relieved to see macarons as our challenge this month! I really like making them, and though I have tried a few different recipes, I pretty much stick to the tried and true method I have been using since I found success.  If it weren’t for the brilliant instructions and advice of Helen, of Tartelette, I may still be stuck back at square one.  Helen has wonderful ideas and suggestions, and any time I need assistance, she’s always there…that helps so much.

For this months challenge, I made all chocolate shells, but filled them with 3 different fillings. Some were “snickery” – filled with homemade caramel, chopped peanuts, and chocolate ganache. So tasty! I love the peanuty flavor.  Some were Chocolate Mint – filled with chocolate ganache and chopped Junior Mint Candies.  Lastly, some were Almond Joy – filled with coconut, and coconut infused chocolate ganache.

Just for fun I made a montage of some of my previous Macaron Flavors…I love making them and see no signs of stopping.  In fact, I love making them so much that I have added them to my Etsy Store, and have sold several dozen in only a week.  Hooray!

I hope everyone has a great rest of the week…and stay tuned for my Wednesday post.  I have a great recipe and fantastic giveaway!!  See you tomorrow!