Seattle macaron-making classes

Image via Wikimedia CommonsMacarons, the most upscale sandwich cookie on the planet, was slated to be the hot food trend in 2011 by Epicurious, to which I responded at the time that I thought they already had been a hot food trend.

Well, a year has passed, and the love for this cookie appears to be going strong. There are numerous classes scheduled over the next few months, in case buying your macarons à la boulangerie is breaking the bank and you need to take your habit to your home kitchen. Bon appetit!

Wed, February 8, 11am-1pm: Class: Valentine's Macarons at Kirkland Sur la Table. “Famous for years in Paris, these delicate sandwich cookies are becoming very popular here. In this class designed especially for Valentine’s Day you'll learn how to flavor and bake macarons, as well as prepare flavored fillings so you can mix and match to create a multitude of variations.” $69 (Class repeats on Saturday, but that class is full and is placing interested folks on a waitlist.

Mon, February 13, 7-10pm: Class: Macarons and More Parisian Bakery Arts at Bon Vivant School of Cooking. “Join Chef Suzanne Hunter as she guides you into the rich and delicate world of Parisian bakery arts. Create melt-in-your-mouth French almond Macarons in a multitude of flavors such as lemon, pistachio, vanilla, chocolate and raspberry. Make French marshmallows, often sold in ropes standing up in a glass in French bakeries, that are worlds away from the bland sweets of your youth. Delve into Chocolate Grand Marnier Soufflé baked in an orange, a French restaurant standard with a twist. Experience Canelés de Bordeaux, a very old classic French cake with a creamy vanilla interior. Tart Tatin, a carmelized upside down pear tart with a crunchy crust, will be your new favorite dessert. French Almond Macarons; French Marshmallows; Chocolate Grand Marnier Soufflés Baked in Oranges; Canelé de Bordeaux (a cake with a rich custardy interior); and Pear Tart Tatin.” ~$78

Fri, February 16, 11am-1pm: Class: Mastering Macarons at Kirkland Sur la Table. “These versatile sandwich cookies have been famous for years in Paris and are obviously becoming quite popular here. We’ll share tips on adding flavors and prepare different types of fillings to mix and match, so you can create an infinite variety of these delectable desserts. Then we’ll show you the secrets behind baking the macarons perfectly every time.” $69

Fri, March 16, 11am-1pm: Class: Mastering Macarons at Kirkland Sur la Table. “These versatile sandwich cookies have been famous for years in Paris and are obviously becoming quite popular here. We’ll share tips on adding flavors and prepare different types of fillings to mix and match, so you can create an infinite variety of these delectable desserts. Then we’ll show you the secrets behind baking the macarons perfectly every time.” $69

Sun, March 25, 11am-1pm: Class: Macarons at Kirkland Sur la Table. “This is another class on macarons—with new flavor combinations to enjoy—so fans of our previous macarons classes and beginners are welcome. These versatile little sandwich cookies have been famous for years in Paris and are obviously quite popular here too! First, our chef instructors will show you the secrets behind baking these up perfectly every time. Then, we’ll share tips on adding new flavors and prepare different types of fillings so students can mix and match according to their tastes and create an infinite variety of these delectable desserts at home anytime.” $69

Mon, April 2; Tue, April 3 or Wed, April 4; 6:30-9:30pm: Class: French Macaron at The Pantry at Delancey. **PLEASE NOTE - AS OF THIS POST THESE CLASSES ARE SOLD OUT BUT YOU CAN BE ADDED TO A WAIT LIST** “Tired of flying to Paris to stock up on Pierre Hermé macarons? Then come to The Pantry and learn how to make them at home! Visiting pastry chef Jennifer Altman will teach you techniques for making almond meringue, tips for piping perfect little cookies, how to get a tender crumb, and how to achieve those elusive “feet”. You’ll make coffee cardamom macarons with coffee buttercream, chocolate macarons with chocolate ganache, strawberry rose macarons with strawberry jam, and lemon macarons with lemon curd. This $60 class taught by Jennifer Altman will run from 6:30pm to 9:30pm.”