Radically Retired

Tag: Perfection

  • Happiness Is … Achievement

    Happiness Is … Achievement

    After four years of learning and after making several hundred macarons, I came to a place where they were almost right.

    Through trial and error, I recently made a couple of tweaks to the process that solved everything.

    I was mixing my merengue too fast, and was stopping just short of correct macronage (mixing the merengue with the dry ingredients).

    My feature photo is of the batch I made with the technique adjustments.

    Macaron bakers are always in pursuit of four things: smooth shells, pretty feet, perfect texture (blend of slightly crispy shells and slightly chewy interior), and full shells (no hollows). Bingo! I got them all!

    After one day of maturing in fridge

    I’m completely happy with everything about these, and going forward, will apply what I’ve learned.

    As I’ve stated in previous posts, I have an ocd-ish personality. To finally get these right, frees up brain space to focus on something else.

    Hmmm … maybe my guitar?

  • Happiness Is … A Perfect Peak

    Happiness Is … A Perfect Peak

    Some days the baking stars all align and I know from the time that I see this exact meringue stiffness that my macarons will be perfect.

    The lemon macs from the merengue in my feature photo turned out nicely.

    As I’ve said in previous posts about these divas of cookies, my ocd-ish personality loves the attention to detail and perfection that’s required in every step.

  • The Necessary “P’s” of French Macarons

    The Necessary “P’s” of French Macarons

    I’ve been making these darlings of the pastry world since 2022.

    For a full year prior to my first attempt, I studied extensively… reading every word possible about technique and trouble shooting. I also viewed more YouTube videos than I can count.

    Since the “learning phase”, I’ve made well over one thousand of these divas of desserts. I’ve finally come to a place where I understand and commit to the necessary “P’s” with each and every bake and I’m happy to say that I’m no longer intimidated.

    Perfect Meringue
    Perfect Macronage
    Perfect Piping Technique
    Perfect and Stable Oven Temperature

    My feature photo is of my most recent bake (a few days ago) The shells are unflavoured and decorated with sanding sugar. The filling is a vanilla bean ganache dam with Saskatoon Berry jam in the centre.

    My favourite thing about these fussy babies is their versatility. Through colour and flavour, I can make countless varieties with one basic recipe!