All week long, the lovely Dorie Greenspan is serving as a Guest Editor here at Food52, sharing recipes and stories from her latest book, Baking Chez Moi. We're also giving away a copy each day! Because we want to give the gift of Dorie.
Today: Let's take a sweet stroll down memory lane with Dorie Greenspan and her fabulous French recipes.
This week has been an embarrassment of riches -- straight from the kitchen of Dorie Greenspan. From Brigitte Bardot's favorite cake to classic Parisian macarons, Dorie has reminded us exactly why we love French food and the stories that surround it. The French are masters of effortless elegance and measured indulgence; their recipes make us feel fancy in an "Oh, this old thing?" kind of way.
Shop the Story
Dorie has ushered us into the world of French cuisine and made us feel at home there. Her meticulous detail and approachable writing draw us in and give us the confidence to tackle her recipes ourselves. We can't wait to delve deeper into Baking Chez Moi -- we've only just begun our love affair with its food.
More: Get the full story on why we love Dorie's latest book, Baking Chez Moi.
More: Dorie gives us 5 Ways to Use a Spent Vanilla Bean.
Photos by Alan Richardson
We're giving away a copy of Baking Chez Moi every day this week! To win today's copy, tell us in the comments: Have you ever made macarons at home? Or do they totally freak you out? We'll choose winners this Friday, October 24th. (U.S. entrants only, please!)
Written by: Julie Myers
Popular on Food52
154 Comments
Joan
October 24, 2017
I made them at a cooking school in France,but was too overwhelmed to try it at home.
Jennifer W.
November 7, 2014
They terrify me, though I'd love to try. I'm an expert bread baker, not a pastry chef, though. :-(
Corinne
November 1, 2014
I have made macarons at home and they didn't turn out like my favorite pistachio ones from Laduree...though they were still good. I would love to try the recipe from "Baking Chez Moi!"
Pallavi
October 27, 2014
They look SO dainty and quite honestly, intimidating. I'd looooove to try these ( and accomplish this feat at the first attempt)
jill
October 27, 2014
Made them once, they came out all flat and wonky-looking. Tasted great, looked ugly
Shannon M.
October 27, 2014
Totally intimidated... I just get too impatient to do all the fussy steps. But I love them so I'm ever so grateful that others have the patience so that I might enjoy them! :-)
Jessica P.
October 26, 2014
I would love to make them though they sound intimidating! I remember seeing a Master Chef episode where the contestants had to make them, 3 different flavors, and they all had to fit in the specific sized box. I don't think any of them got it right... I suppose practice makes perfect!
Karen K.
October 26, 2014
I have seen an almond walnut macaron recipe in the French Market cookbook and I want to try it! It seems like a fun project!
opicurious
October 26, 2014
I'd love to bake macarons. It's not easy to make, but always fun to work with meringue
Mix , pipe, dry and pop the to the oven! When you watch them to getting PIED from the oven window, it's a JOY!!
http://blog.naver.com/opicurious/150178695728
Mix , pipe, dry and pop the to the oven! When you watch them to getting PIED from the oven window, it's a JOY!!
http://blog.naver.com/opicurious/150178695728
robinorig
October 26, 2014
I have made French macarons once and have been dying to make them again! I went to a wedding in Versailles last year and they had the most gorgeous macarons that were bronze, silver, gold and copper. Now I'm intrigued to try It, as if they aren't difficult enough already! I love all my other Dorie Greenspan books, love making the world peace cookies and have been to one of her pop-up bakeries!
Amy R.
October 25, 2014
I made black sesame macarons a few years ago. I used a Japanese cookbook that David Lebovitz recommended, and it wasn't troublesome, just time consuming. I kind of enjoy a challenge, though. They were delicious!
Eileen O.
October 25, 2014
I've made macarons once, a couple of years ago. I really need to make them again, especially since I'm making the time to bake bread!
Kerry D.
October 25, 2014
I love to bake but have to admit I have never made macarons. And now I am wondering why. Have to put that on my to-do list!
Orlane
October 25, 2014
I have made macarons before and they came out fantastic even though I was freaking out the whole time. Now I come up with my own flavors
Kenna
October 25, 2014
No I have not made them, however, my daughter in law's sister is an amazing cook and she recently made some for a party I attended. Now I'm curious.....they were delicious! Wondering if she used your recipe.
Molly S.
October 25, 2014
Dear Dorie,Loved seeing you on CBS this morning......Will definitely purchase your cookbooks......Loved your lighthearted approach to cooking.May I ask a personal question.....Your scarf was beautiful.....may I ask where you purchased it?so lovely and I loved the vivid,intense colors. Thank you.Molly
cucina D.
October 25, 2014
I have enjoyed these sweet treats on my trips to France, I humbly admit they throughly intimidate me but I would love a recipe that is authentic and real to try.
Rachel R.
October 25, 2014
I've always been a bit intimidated and worried about starting with the "right" recipe. I will make them someday!
Debbie M.
October 25, 2014
Oh my.....they are sooo delicious!!!!! but preparing them seems very overwhelming to me.
Maggie L.
October 25, 2014
Homemade macarons are temperamental, fussy, and all about technique, but keep practicing because few things make you feel as accomplished once you've nailed it ;)
DianaDC
October 25, 2014
Never made them. It's on my "to bake list"! And yes, it kind of freaks me out because I've never made them =/ but I'm up for the challenge! ;)
Susan H.
October 25, 2014
Yes, and yes! I was really surprised how much physical effort they take to make!
Mukta V.
October 25, 2014
Even though thinking of making macaroons give me the jitters, they certainly are on my bucket list of 'Things I need to try out at least once in my lifetime!!' Hopefully I will get there very soon.
Alexandra H.
October 24, 2014
Yes! I made them for my chefs during my culinary internship. Spoon-filled them, so a bit messy, but they were a hit!
jlyn
October 24, 2014
Yes! My bff and i made them. The first batch weren't fully cooked through but the second batch came out perfect
Kathleen T.
October 24, 2014
Own several macaron cookbooks thinking I would make them at home. I finally did a class at Sur La Table. Mine were not visually pristine but I gobbled them up at home.
Bridgit C.
October 24, 2014
I've never made them, but would love to make a pistachio based one... The color!!
Stacey M.
October 24, 2014
I ate the macarons a friend made. Now I plan to make them myself. Should I be freaked out?
Diane
October 24, 2014
Only tried Caron's for the first time a few months ago; haven't had the nerve to make them myself just yet..
Terry H.
October 24, 2014
I have made three of the tarts in her Paris Sweets book and loved them all. I have been looking forward to making some macarons since I saw the lovely article about Dorie's in the last issue of Cherry Bombe magazine.
Ashley C.
October 24, 2014
I have the Les Petits Macarons cookbook but have not made them at home yet. The recipes in the book look so good! I HAVE taken a cooking class to make them though. It was so much fun. I thought they would be a lot harder to make. I may think they are once I make them at home and don't have a nice, big teaching kitchen at my disposal.
Diane C.
October 24, 2014
I haven't made my own macarons, have to say I'm a little (a lot) intimidated!! ;)
Beth P.
October 24, 2014
They are very daunting. I have never attempted them myself but know others who have tried to no avail!
Sarah H.
October 24, 2014
I've made macarons at a Central Market class...does that count? I've had my eye on the Silpat macaron mat for a while and will likely start making them at home.
Hippy I.
October 24, 2014
I'm taking a class next wednesday and I bought a silicone macaron baking sheet. I hope it will help my macarons look professional!
Tdiddy
October 24, 2014
Have tried, without success. They are not for the weak and timid, not those without an audience willing to eat trials.
taylor D.
October 24, 2014
Macaroons are so beautiful and dainty, I haven't been able to master them in my own kitchen yet. But I still have hope!! They're such a delicacy to me, I will continue to buy them & support these talented pastry chefs, while continuing to try my best!! :D
Phillippa C.
October 24, 2014
No, I have made many other French pastries but not yet macarons. I've bought them in Paris to bring back to the States as gifts. They looked like edible jewels in their little box. So lovely.
Nichol P.
October 24, 2014
I've always wanted to make but didn't have right equipment. I love all the flavors and would love to try the recipes.
Kary S.
October 24, 2014
I've made them on several occasions and they've turned out pretty decent. The key is not to over whip your whites and make sure your oven has even heating (using a double-sheet pan will help keep the heat even).
Maggie
October 24, 2014
I have inadvertently made cookies that turned out to be very much like macaroons, but have never tried to make the delicious cookies! It's on my list of things to do! For now, I go to Minneapolis' Cocoa & Fig for my fix :)
Heather
October 24, 2014
I made 5 attempts. While they got increasingly better, and always looked lovely with feet, they are nearly always hollow. After batch 5 was passable, I stopped for a while! I'd love this cookbook to give me some additional resources!
Genevieve S.
October 24, 2014
I've never made macarons before, although I have eaten quite a few :)
I'd like to attempt them at some point though, Dorie's recipe looks delicious!
I'd like to attempt them at some point though, Dorie's recipe looks delicious!
stephanie
October 24, 2014
My first attempt to make macarons for was our office Christmas cookie exchange! They came out with some cracks but they had feet! This opened up my baking world. Looking forward to Baking Chez Moi
CookingIsLikeLove
October 24, 2014
I've always want to try making them, but they are still in the "freak out" category :(
Wendy R.
October 24, 2014
Macarons look way too hard. Baby steps. I have made Dorie's gougeres and their delicious!
Christine D.
October 24, 2014
Macarons totally freak me out! But I will DEFINITELY try Dorie's recipe.
Deborah K.
October 24, 2014
I have not made macarons. I really like her books and this new one is on my Christmas list.
Chava N.
October 24, 2014
I've never made them but they remain on my list to at the very least one day attempt. From what you've published of Dorit's recipes, it's but one of several I definitely am looking forward to enjoying.
flourpower
October 24, 2014
Love macarons and have made them. They were delicious but not entirely gorgeous. I will look forward to trying Dori Greenspan's technique and recipe!
Ashley
October 24, 2014
Yes!! I love making macarons! Lots of work, but they're so worth it. My favorites are mocha chocolate or lavender earl grey ones!
UglyButDelicious
October 24, 2014
I've tried to make them twice, and both times it was a failure! I think in my concern of over-mixing, I undermixed them. They were still delicious, but didn't have the right texture. From now on, I think I'll be OK buying them for the dollar or two that they cost.
Sunne W.
October 24, 2014
Macarons are on my Bucket List of things I really want to make and someday will, much like the tarte at the top of this page.
PG B.
October 24, 2014
It's been a desire but the thought of it's difficulty has certainly set it back.
Allison
October 24, 2014
I haven't made them yet. I stare at the recipe over and over. I have gathered the ingredients, ready to go but have yet to take the plunge. I even offered to teach a friend's son as motivation. If I win, I swear I will do it within a week. I think Dorie's the best!
Michelle
October 24, 2014
Haven't made macarons at home--not sure I could get everything right to get a great one.
Kate W.
October 24, 2014
I've never made them before but I come tell trust Dorie's recipes so I would give it a go from her cookbook!
Judy
October 24, 2014
I have made them several times. Some better than others but will keep on trying.
jamcook
October 24, 2014
I have not, but am ready to try. I love all things meringue, and so I am not sure why I haven't tried. Do I fear them ? Not at all, I think its's time to try.
Verene
October 24, 2014
I want to make french macaroons, but I admit I've been too intimidated to try!
vee
October 24, 2014
Yes, I've made them before and yes, I was super nervous. But they actually turned out pretty good and super yummy
Aaron T.
October 24, 2014
Apparently it takes 10 years of practice to perfect macaroon only 9 years to go. However your book may reduce this considerably :-)
debsiegel
October 24, 2014
Never made them, but can't understand why people think they need special macaron trays for them.
TerryKes
October 24, 2014
I made them once. Only okay, too grainy. Then I saw them being made on a tv show that I can't remember. They were pressing the dough through a sieve ... I'm anxious to see how Dorie does it. I have her Baking and Around My French Table cookbooks. I love her style, instructions, and photos. They are great books. I bet this one is, too! (hope hope hope I win!)
SMR
October 24, 2014
I don't know if I would attempt macarons, the last time I had one was at Laduree in Paris and I think I would tarnish the memory!
Sheila E.
October 24, 2014
Baking in general has always freaked me out. However, I'm determined to overcome that fear. After all, if I can make bread.... Right? Winning this book would be soooo helpful too.
Emmy B.
October 24, 2014
I have attempted macarons 4 times. On the fifth time it was success! Patience and never quitting!
Kate
October 24, 2014
I have never made them at home..in fact, I have never tasted them! Someday for both, I hope...Dorie's new book would really help!
Vickie V.
October 24, 2014
Yes, I have! Although not perfect..they were okay..but, this is the one dessert I do want to master before I die! Thanks.
Kate B.
October 24, 2014
I have, but they were a tad on the overly chewey side. Guess I need a better recipe
Kate B.
October 24, 2014
I have, but they were a tad on the overly chewey side. Guess I need a better recipe
Susan R.
October 24, 2014
I have indulged in eating Macarons in Paris and at Olivia's in Georgetown in D.C., where they are made by a Parisian-trained pastry chef. I am adventurous in the kitchen and would love to attempt making Macarons. I would trust any recipe by Dorie, and would love to have her Baking Chez Moi on my bookshelf right next to my highly valued copy of Around My French Table. Susan Rebillot
Corcoran D.
October 24, 2014
I love making Macarons at home.... have done salted caramel, pumpkin spice, mocha, and mint!!!! So fun to make
Lindsey T.
October 24, 2014
Never at home but definitely with the guidance of a Parisian cooking school I think Dorie would approve of :) Need Dorie's book to really test at home!
Jill
October 24, 2014
I love eating macarons, but making them is a whole other story. I tried about 10 years ago, without success. :( The picture of Dorie's macarons is so beautiful, I feel inspired to try again!
Heather M.
October 24, 2014
Honestly, I don't get they hype about macaroons. I am okay with fussy things if they are wonderful, but I would prefer to put my time into a fantastic, big, bold layer cake!
Margaret W.
October 24, 2014
Not yet, but I did take a class on how to make them. So I will give it a try!
Harvey S.
October 24, 2014
I have never made macarons at home. In fact, I had them for the first time about a year and a half ago. I'm a little fascinated with them, though.
Mcathy1
October 24, 2014
They don't freak me out...AND I have never made them at home. Now maybe I will!
Josh
October 24, 2014
Ugh. It's always been on my list to try, but definitely intimidated after eating Pierre Herme's in Paris. Absurd. I still dream of the olive oil one and the rose one...
Laura
October 24, 2014
I haven't tried the italian meringue method yet but will on my next batch of macarons! Can't wait to compare the difference between the two methods.
Kathy
October 24, 2014
I haven't tried making them yet, but would like to. Love, love, love your cookbooks, Dorie. I rcommend them all the time.
Amy H.
October 24, 2014
It is on my bucket list to make this winter. I live in the south so i want to make sure I make them when the weather is crisp. Last year i made croissants for the first time. Every year i have a bucket list of new things to make.
BurgeoningBaker
October 24, 2014
I actually have made or at least attempted to make macaron's at home. I actually felt I could do it when I saw the two videos Food52 put up a long time back about making macaron's and I believe something about why one of the two ladies is not allowed to be in the kitchen around lemon curd. I digress. I was initially afraid to do it cause they sound like they are terribly hard to do but not really. I am horrible at piping so that is my biggest challenge. I didn't know if I should have piped in a round ending in the middle or just put the tip down and pipe it in a mound. So some turned out better than others but all were tasty. Regardless, there are few baking things the scare me as long as they don't involve flambee that scares me. The first thing I ever truly baked on my own were eclairs and I was determined to do choux pastry right that it took me three attempts and almost drove my wife (then girlfriend) crazy.
BurgeoningBaker
October 24, 2014
And that is macarons not macaron's.. they don't own anything except a space in my belly!
Hippy I.
October 24, 2014
I've never made them. But....... next wednesday I am taking a class to learn how to make the iconic French Macaron! Yay! I understand that I really need to pay attention! LOL
Jennie L.
October 24, 2014
The thought of making macarons at home freaks me out just a tad. But buying them at L'Adurée is a favorite travel treat.
Jessica
October 24, 2014
They freak me out just a little, but I keep looking at recipes for them and hope to one day!
Megan L.
October 24, 2014
I have not made macaroons since I have been to Paris and had the most life changing ones possible. I do plan to return to Paris as eat them heartily though!!
Ellie S.
October 24, 2014
I tried to make them once, it was a disaster! Not pretty at all. I have thought about giving it a second try.
Heather
October 24, 2014
Yes! My daughter does and they've been delish! She's amazing! We love Dorie!!
Alyssa J.
October 24, 2014
I haven't made macarons at home, but it's up there on my to bake list right along side croissants!! It's gonna happen one day, and it's going to be awesome :)
Alicia
October 24, 2014
I've never made them at home! But I just got back from Paris and the bar is HIGH. I'd love to try to make them. I'm sure even my fails would be tasty lol
Marion
October 24, 2014
The difference between the macaroons I made and those in the photo accompanying the recipe was the same diff between shriveled raisins and lush ripe fruit. Mishapen as they were, they still tasted delish!
Natalie
October 24, 2014
Macarons are one of my all time favorite cookie! But I dare not make them lol!
Darlene W.
October 24, 2014
Not at home but made them in cooking class at ICE in NYC! Air if steps but so worth it! Love the rose, lychee & salted caramel at Laduree!
NYFlourpower
October 24, 2014
They are definitely worthy of the motto if at first you don't succeed try try again!
mujisan
October 24, 2014
I have never made them at home and yes it freaks me out, though most baking freaks me out in general. It's a goal in life to be less freaked out about baking.
BakerRB
October 24, 2014
Yes, I have a couple times. First time I had beginners luck, second time not so much...Tasty, but less pretty. I'll try again since my source for my favorites (not overly sweet or freakishly bright) dried up.
Kathryn P.
October 24, 2014
After becoming a French cookbook hoarder, I have yet to give French Macarons a try, but I have been so inspired this week & I cannot wait to give them a try! No matter how many batches it takes.
swoodum
October 24, 2014
I've made them a few times, and have had slightly different results each time, but they're always delicious. David Lebovitz's recipe is my guide—I'd love to try Dorie's!
Sarah
October 24, 2014
I definitely want to try to make macarons, even though they're a little intimidating!
Sara S.
October 24, 2014
The idea of making macarons at home is very intimidating to me. But I've eaten my weight in them when in Paris! :)
intheoven
October 24, 2014
Yes, I have made them at home, because these fickle pastries MUST be conquered! Ahem...i did not conquer them...ahem...
QueenOfGreen
October 24, 2014
Yes! I've made macarons at home - they were delicious (of course) and came out so much prettier than I anticipated!
See what other Food52 readers are saying.