Macarons To Bring Back

[DaisyM]

We're going back to Paris in a week. Was wondering if you thought macarons would stay fresh for a few days? I'd like to bring some back as gifts. Thank you.

[chocokitty]

I just came back from Paris (originally from NYC) a few days ago and I brought back both Pierre Herme and Laudree's assorted macarons in my carry-on.

All were bought the day before and kept at my hotel room's temperature of about 65-68 degrees Fahrenheit and they were fine through my flight (and no issues from Customs). By the time I reached home, I rushed them to the fridge. (Same applied to my chocolates and Genin caramels.)

Tina
http://thewanderingeater.com/

[Glaff]

Yes, they will stay fresh for 3-4 days. You just have to keep them in the fridge as soon as you get back home and take them out 1-2 hours before eating them.

Actually, some pastry chef (Pierre Hermé) even prefer them 48 hours after they were made. And remember, you never eat them super fresh when you buy them. They're always made at least the day before, that's how you get this texture.

They even freeze very well, despite what some people will say. Tested several times with my own macarons and approved ! It's really surprising.

But bring back caramels and chocolats too ! They don't take much space.

[DaisyM]

Thanks, I wouldn't have thought to put them in the fridge.

[don515]

Just got back from Paris had very small soft cooler at little ice and pavés. Dumped ice before securty and go soem back from the flight attendant.
Works great

dc

[mangeur]

We always travel to Paris with a shallow rectangular Tupperware box, about the size of a laptop. On the day before our return, we head for Gregary Renaud's shop on St. Dominique and fill it up with an assortment of his giant macarons. Since his are more about the filling than the cookie, they remain moist longer.

No, they're aren't as good as if you had eaten them in his shop, but "better late than never." ;)

[plafield]

I say buy Renard's caramels and chocolates to bring home and eat the macarons! Although because his macarons are indeed more about the filling they're not my favorites. Way too rich and cloying, especially the big ones! I far prefer Lauduree macarons, always eaten within moments of purchase! The perfect balance of cookie to gnache.

[DaisyM]

I'm gaining weight just thinking about Paris.

[don515]

TOWER

[don515]

MICHEL CHAUDUN 149 RUE DE L'UNIVERSITY-NEAR EFFEL TOWN
SMALL SQUARE TRUFFELS YOU EAT WITH A TOOTHPICK-JUST A THOUGHT.

http://www.sweetnapa.com/2006/08/07/m...

DC

[tortoiseshell]

Beware, these "pavés" at Michel Chaudun must be kept refrigerated.

[souphie]

I'm with Plafield, good macarons are best super fresh. But at the same time, Ledoyen's are designed to keep some (incidentally, it's the traditional way for macarons) and are therefore best if you really want to bring some. But seriously, that's what caramels and chocolate are for.

[DaisyM]

Thanks everyone. Has anyone else noticed that there has been an explosion of macarons in the US ? They are being sold at Whole Foods and even Trader Joe's has them frozen. Is it that I have become more aware of macarons since being in Paris last spring or is this something new?

[Windy]

Yes, we have at least six or seven bakeries in San Francisco competing for the best macarons. But the clear sign of mainstreaming was seeing them at Starbucks (although I think imported from France).

Whole Foods sources from local bakeries, so they aren't available across North America just yet.

I know they are only a cousin to the macarons, but I've brought Sprungli's luxumburgli from Zurich and they traveled fine.

[cynid3]

they will keep for a couple days. (if you can hold off on eating them for that long)

If you are coming back through Charles de Gaulle then one option would be to purchase them from the Ladurée cart in the international departure waiting area.

[Nancy S.]

A friend brought me back a box from Laduree as a present. They were still delicious, and beautiful in the pale green box, even though I know what they taste like when eaten moments after purchase.

[Rasam]

I also just got a box from the airport as a present. Excellent, assorted flavours, even though I've nothing to compare them with.

[plafield]

Always best eaten within moments of buying. They really don't keep well, particularly for a couple of days! Buy some French chocolates and/or caramels for gifts instead and eat the macarons yourself while in Paris!