Macarons by Annie Rigg

This week I'm reviewing Macarons by Annie Rigg, from illustrated lifestyle publishers Ryland Peters & Small and CICO Books. Annie Rigg has been baking since her early childhood and has spent the past seven years as a freelance food stylist and writer. She currently has five books in print and her work has featured in numerous bestselling magazines. Before this she cooked for Paul McCartney, Pink Floyd and the Rolling Stones to name a few whilst on tour.

I chose to review this book as of all the treats I have baked in the past few years, macarons have been the hardest to get right. This Christmas I would like to make picture perfect, delicious macarons for my dessert table and to give as gifts.

The first chapter is all about mastering the art and technique of basic macrons with step by step instructions and a host of tips for success. Taking the basic macaron, it also shows how you can make a variety of traditional flavours, from zesty lemon to nutty pistachio to velvety chocolate. Then it takes you through the steps to make a choice of fillings from chocolate ganache, vanilla cream, buttercream, mascarpone cream and lemon curd. All of these are beautifully illustrated with dreamy photographs by Kate Whitaker.

After equipping you with all the know-how on making delicious filled macarons the book then shares with you inspiration for matches made in heaven, like the coconut shells filled with caramelized banana that sound divine or the Christmas themed almond shells filled with a gingerbread spice. Then it moves on to the creative combinations where you make up two different flavored shells and three or four fillings. This I can't wait to try as I have always made them with matching shells in the past. I love the classical autumnal fruit combination of apple and blackberry that sound yummy and look fantastic! The decadent chocolate and cherry ones also sound amazing, filled with a chocolate ganache and a cherry cream.

At a recommended price of £9.99, I think this hardback book is a fantastic book that will leave you feeling more confident and inspired to make your own macarons and is beautifully illustrated with stylish photographs.

Some of my favourite macarons:

Flavour combinations

Apple and blackberry

White chocolate and raspberry

Rose

To summarize, Macarons is a great book for those looking to master the technique of making macarons and experiment with flavours.

Please note that my opinions are my own and I am not paid for these reviews (apart from receiving a free book, of course!).

Have a sweet day!