A macaroon is a type of light, baked confection, described as 'meringue-like cookies' depending on their consistency. The original macaroon was a "small sweet cake consisting largely of ground almonds" similar to the Italian amaretti.
      The English word macaroon and French macaron come from the Italian maccarone or maccherone. This word is itself derived from ammaccare, meaning to bruise, used here in reference to the almond paste which is the principal ingredient.
      Most recipes call for egg whites (usually whipped to stiff peaks), almonds, coconut, or nuts. Almost all call for sugar. Macaroons are sometimes baked on edible rice paper placed on a baking tray.
     I have given here a easy recipe for making almond macaroons. So easy no need for egg whites stiff peaks. Can be prepared in minutes I have followed Nigella lawsons recipe. Easy tasty chewy macaroons...



INGREDIENTS:
Ground almonds/ Almond meal- 200 grams (< 1 cup)
Sugar- 200 grams (< 1cup)
Cardamom powder- ¼ teaspoon
Egg whites- 2
Rose water-1-2 tablespoons
Blanched almonds for decoration-15-20

PROCEDURE:
  • Preheat the oven to 180oC and line a pan with baking parchment.
  • Mix together almonds, sugar, ground cardamom and egg whites. Knead with your hands or spoon until you have a coherent paste.
 
  • Sprinkle some rosewater onto your hands , thus scented and dampened, form little balls- about the size of small lemon out of the grainy thick paste.
  • As you put them on the lined baking sheet- about 3cm apart- squish them down slightly so that they are more like flat little patties. Stud the centre of each macaroon with a blanched almond.
 
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes, and remove from the oven when they are starting to turn a pale golden colour around the edges. Let them cool on a baking sheet.
  • Note: Baking time may vary depends on the size of the macaroons 
  • If you do not get the almond powder or almond meal, get 200grams of blanched almonds and make as powder. Do not powder whole in one lot. This will form chunky bits inside. Add 50gram at a time in a blender and make as powder like wise do for the whole lot.