Friday, July 20, 2012

Baking Recipe: Limone Italian Buttercream Macarons & TGIF

When life hands you lemons.. what do you do with them? The first thing that comes to mine is making yummy treats. Limone or Lemon is the same. I thought I have some fun with words today. I'm attempting to make my treats sound a little more decadent and sexy.. Not sure if sexy implies here, but I was just imagining this ultra sultry lady saying "Limone.. limone, ti piacerebbe comprare dei limoni?" or "Lemon..lemon, would you like to buy some lemons?" Forgive my nuttiness, as I was feeling a little Italiano today or for that tiny moment.

While I was in Singapore visiting friends, I watched this movie called "Life is Beautiful", where the entire movie was in Italian but dubbed in English for non Italian speakers like myself . "Life is Beautiful" is a story of a Jewish Italian during WWII days. If life now is cruel, can you imagine that era? What I love about the movie is, despite having the hardship, and taken away from his wife, Guido Orefice played by Roberto Benigni, somehow manage to see a bright side to everything. He would always greet the love of his life "Boungiorno Principessa" and explained everything to his son that they are in a game, in order to not scare his little boy. Naturally I cried slightly, and the movie does change my perspective in life.
This is such a meaningful movie, and does remind me on how fortunate we are. Despite us having luxury or comfort in this hectic life, we tend to forget the tiny little beautiful things that life around us has to offer. It can be as simple as breakfast in bed, having a conversation with a good friend abroad or someone walks pass and greets you with a smile. As much we like to climb the ladder to achieve our career goals, it's always good to take a step back and enjoy the little things [like these mini french macarons] along the way. It is still an accomplishment and we should try as hell to not forget them. Having said that, I am proud to say I am really happy with my very first batch of French Macarons, and these shells baked are as close to La Duree's style. Not overly crunchy, just right, and squidgy in the middle.
For Limone Italian Buttercream, click here. As for the macaron shells, I highly recommend that you stick to your own tested full proof recipe. As for me, I used the Italian Meringue method for my macarons, and it's a matter of preference. I prefer to cook the egg whites by whisking in the boiled sugar. I made a few flavours for my macs and 2 types of shell. The coral blush coloured mac shells are made with ground almond and the pastel burgundy wine is  made with ground hazelnuts. As for flavours, there were strawberry, limone, hazelnut buttercream and dark chocolate ganache.

Have a wonderful weekend ahead, and maybe it's time to learn to not be bothered by the petty things in life, and look at life in a broader spectrum and a greater heart.

P/S: I can't wait to bake more macarons. This can now be ticked off my bucket list as I have overcome my fear of making them.

xx

28 comments:

  1. You made those macarons so beautifully. And its your first batch? You are really good a this!

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    1. Thanks Phong Hong.. I attended a class which helped me understand the macs better ;). Lots of practise, but this first batch really made my day!! cheers

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  2. Your blog is beautiful. I am following you over twitter, looking forward to share more recipes with you.

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    1. Hi Ila! Thanks for coming over.. Am following you back on Twitter too.. till then, have a good week ahead!

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  3. I loved that movie, too. And I love your perfect macarons...I was just thinking that it was time for me to make my second batch :) Lemon sounds wonderful~

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    1. Hi Lizzy! I can't wait to bake a second batch too.. Lemon filling is perfect. Really balance the sweetness from the crust ;). xoxo

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  4. Yummo! That's Italian for "Yummy" in case you didn't know, no?
    Ah well, I only know what I learnt in my music classes and I can't think of using any of those Italian terms to describe this gorgeous bitefuls.
    Let's do French instead .... tres magnifique! Ok, never mind.

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    1. LOL.. no worries Ping! In any language, Gracias, Grazie, Terima Kasih, Xie Xie, THANKS for the support and coming over to check up on me. xoxo

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  5. Lovely Joanna, I would be watching that show now that you've introduced it! I watched various shows these days and had my eyes on the oldie "Beautiful Mind". Nothing like an inspirational based on true story :D You've succeeded on macaroons! So happy for you :D

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    1. Hi Jes! Do check out this movie when you can.. I do love the old classic humour and the morale behind this movie. Really inspiring to live life well. Till then, do stay in touch. Happy baking!! xoxo

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    1. Thanks Foodie Stuntman. The class I attended help got rid of my fear of making these macs. ;). Certainly can't wait to whip up more flavours. Cheers.

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  7. awesome job on the macarons! they look beautiful and delicious!

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    1. Thanks Jenn Kendall.. I might do another round and perhaps this time try to take shots of step by step. Will need to setup my tripod . LOL..

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  8. Can't believe that this is your first batch of French macarons! They look perfect, Jo!
    Btw, I love Life is Beautiful! This is one of those movies that I enjoy watching over and over. Truly wonderful!

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    1. I wouldn't mind watching this movie again.. ;) and thanks for coming over Tina!! xoxo

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    1. Thanks for coming over!!! Appreciate it.. and will be buzzing you too over at your blog. Stay in touch.. cheers

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  10. Sounds like you are hooked to make macarons - great! I can't wait to see many more of your macarons. They are gorgeous! I know you love eating them, and how wonderful to create your own now. Limone Italian Buttercream sounds fabulous!

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    1. LOL.. yes I am hooked ;). Will try to find more time to bake more. I do find citrus filling goes really well since the mac shell is really sweet.. Till then!! xoxo

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  11. These macarons look so beautiful my friend - an awesome post :D

    Cheers
    CCU

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  12. What a beautiful treat to accompany a beautiful message.

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  13. Jo, I've watched that movie too a few years ago...if you thought that was sad, watch the Piano Player, which is from a similar situation during the Holocaust!
    Also Shindler's List, if you haven't seen that...will break your heart (couldn't stop crying throughout the entire movie)

    Your macarons are amazing and so perfect...hooray for you to actually go to a demo class to learn it first. However, the end result is gorgeous yummy and oh, so pretty!
    Sorry, I missed this post of yours, with so much confusion going on these days with my blogger messed up situation!
    Hugssss, xo

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  14. These macarons are breathtakingly gorgeous.

    Life is Beautiful is such a heartbreaking story, I watched it in a high school theology class (taught by my boyfriend's mother--before he was my boyfriend). Yeah that movie always gets me, I completely understand.

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  15. Oh how I love these. So pretty. I need these in my life right now.

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  16. I love eating and making macarons so i am always lioking for new flavor combinations. Good inspiration. Thanks.

    -Annika

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Hey foodies! THANK YOU for leaving me with sweet comments. I hope to inspire you like how you inspire me. Cheers~

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