What are Nancy macarons?
These are flat, rather large macaroons made from eggs, sugar, a little flour and almond powder. The recipe is very old.
Nancy is notably the famous Place Stanislas / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com: shutterstock
Nancy macaroons: a very ancient origin
Some say it arrived in the 16th century in the luggage of Catherine de Médicis, who often visited her daughter the Duchess of Lorraine in Nancy. We're not sure how, but the recipe would have found its way to the city's convents, and in particular to the convent of the Dames du Saint Sacrement. It has to be said that this dessert, of Italian origin, was perfectly suited to these nuns, who had to eat very little meat to follow the rule, but were allowed to eat eggs. Eggs, which they prepared in a multitude of ways, including, and even especially, as a dessert.
Les soeurs macarons
During the French Revolution, convents were ordered closed, and the convent of the Dames du Saint Sacrement was shut down. To earn a living, two of the convent's nuns decided to take up pastry-making. Marie-Élisabeth Morlot and Marguerite Gaillot began making macaroons as they had in their convent, and soon became so successful that they were nicknamed "the macaroon sisters". Their recipe was passed down through their families and then through the various owners of their store, which became "la maison des soeurs macarons". It still exists, on rue Gambetta near Place Stanislas, and you'll find the best macarons in Nancy.
Nancy-style macaroons are just delicious! Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com: depositphotos
How to make Nancy macaroons
Ingredients
- 2 egg whites
- 100 g almond powder
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 1 sachet vanilla sugar
- 3 drops vanilla extract
Nancy's macaroons recipe.
- Preheat the oven to 240°C (th. 7).
- Prepare your mixture : Sift the powdered sugar, then mix with the almond powder and vanilla sugar.
- Mix your egg whites: Whisk the egg whites until stiff, then fold them gently into the sugar-almond mixture. Add the vanilla extract.
- make your macaroons: On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, place small, flat knobs of dough, about 4 cm in diameter. Lightly moisten their surface with a brush.
- Bake your macaroons : Place in the oven and immediately lower the temperature to 150°C. Leave to cook for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Tasting: Allow to cool before enjoying these sweet treats.
