MMMacarons

As a reader of all things foodie, I, of course, knew what macarons were.  I just hadn't gotten a chance to try them yet.  The pictures I've seen in books and magazines are gorgeous.  Little bite-size snacks in a rainbow of colors ready to be gobbled up by some lucky foodie.  But I'd also heard that they were a pain in the neck and almost impossible to master because of the number of ingredients: 3.  That's right, there are only about 3 ingredients, 4 if you're going for crazy flavors, and anything made with that little, leaves a lot to chance.  But somehow through all of this, they've become the new "cupcake", in the land of sweets-fiends.  Basically they're the "In" thing right now that everyone is making and everyone is selling.  Everyone, that is, in big cities.

The problem I have with Maryland is that there aren't many good bakeries here, and even if you find a good one, they're not bound to have many macarons.  So it really was up to NYC  introduce me to them, seeing as I'm not getting to Paris anytime soon.  And try I did.

I started simply at Woops in the Park in Bryant Park with a double chocolate.  And O-M-G was it delicious.  I had always been skeptical that I would enjoy them because one major ingredient is almonds, which I hate.  I was pleasantly surprised that I couldn't taste the almonds at all.  All I could taste was the chocolate cookie which is like a brownie and the ganache inside.  Yum!

Then, it was on to Union Square where I had an Elvis. I feel terrible that I missed the name of this place because it was just as delicious!  How can you possibly go wrong with Peanut Butter and Banana?  Then, it was on to Le Maison du Chocolat in Rockefeller Center for more Chocolate goodness.  There was a small detour into the crummy when I tried a Coconut at Dean & Deluca.  While I adore Dean & Deluca's tea, they have no business making macarons: Ick!

On Sunday, I had yet another chocolate (Are you sensing a pattern here?) at Bouchon Bakery and it was fairly dreamy as well.  Lastly, I decided that I needed to go back to the beginning for some more Woops deliciousness.  Rumor had it that they made a Red Velvet with Cream Cheese frosting inside but they were sold out when I was there on Friday.  Indeed they did which I purchased...along with 5 of its closest friends. (I think I need to find a meeting!) Along with the Red Velvet I bought Lemon (for my mom which she loved, I hate lemon so I'll refrain from commenting), Chocolate/Peanut Butter, Sea Salt Caramel, Coconut, and Chocolate.  All (except the lemon) were just as delicious as the first.

So as you can see, they seem to be my new obsession.  And if you see them anywhere, I guarantee, the second you try them, they'll be yours as well.  So, my only question is, who's going to fun my trip to Paris so I can try them on their home turf?