Bakeries around the world offer free macaron for 'Macaron Day'
A holiday first invented by the man known as the ‘Picasso of Pastry' is being picked up and adopted by pastry chefs around the world who are importing Macaron Day to their respective cities.
Not to be confused with the American version of the coconut macaroon, the macaron is a light, airy cookie made with almond powder and egg whites and comes in a variety of flavors and pastel colors.
To promote the distinctly French pastry, Pierre Hermé declared March 20 Macaron Day seven years ago. In recent years, what used to be relatively unknown outside of Europe has become increasingly en vogue, with some pundits and foodie gourmands calling the macaron the ‘next cupcake.'
The arrival of luxury tea house Ladurée in New York last year has helped catapult the profile of the macaron in the US, while famous US chef Thomas Keller also introduced Americans to the French cookie at his Bouchon Bakery which spans US cities like New York, Las Vegas, Beverley Hills, and the Napa Valley area of California.
Meanwhile, in New York City, pastry chef Francois Payard adopted the holiday as his own and has been hosting Macaron Day from his bakery and chocolate shop since 2010.
On March 20, participating bakeries across the city will be also be offering customers one free macaron.
Other cities celebrating their first Macaron Day around the world this year include Toronto and Vancouver, Canada; Budapest and London, where participating bakeries will likewise offer one free confectionery for customers to sample.
Meanwhile, Hermé, who is known for his bold and surprising flavor combinations like Orange & Carrot Ceylon Cinnamon, Olive Oil with Mandarin Orange, and Balsamic Vinegar (made with a 25-year-old balsamic) has released limited edition box-sets of macarons especially for the holiday.
A set of 24 macarons goes for €49 and proceeds from sales will go towards Autistes Sans Frontières, a charity for families of children with autism.
Ladurée, which is credited with creating the macaron, celebrates its 150th anniversary this year with a dozen new creations for each month.
For Easter, the house will release two new macaron flavors: chocolate banana and chocolate ‘kalamansi,' also known as Chinese orange.
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