I was gutsy — J’ai osé
When a few weeks ago, Akiko kindly gave me a copy of one of the latest cookbooks she did the photography for — Macarons — I was excited and perplexed too. As much as I like to admire the aesthetics of macarons, I am never going to go crazy over them. Call me ignorant if you wish, but I would always prefer a slice of my mum’s tarte aux quetsches or a piece of dark chocolate to a macaron, even when they are made by celebrities like Pierre Hermé or Ladurée. Ca y est, I said it. But I am certainly no wall* (But flesh is weak), and tempted I was when I looked at Akiko’s gorgeous pictures, and found this surprising association of smoked salmon, fresh cheese and poppy seeds macarons. Infallibly* Inevitably, it is the picture which really sold me on trying to make macarons again.
I was a poor victim of the look and feel of the picture
(The picture in this post is mine, but check Akiko’s if you have the cookbook! You will understand what I mean.)
*Thank you Ben for your corrections. As you said to me, P. sometimes resists to correct me!
Macarons
By José Maréchal
Photography Akiko Ida
Published on Oct 17th 2007
Publisher: Marabout
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Akiko did a wonderful job photographing those macs. They look fabulous! I agree with you that I’m not so ga-ga about macs that I crave them or will attempt making them (again) at home. However, I wouldn’t mind having them as the occasional treat
Comment by maria~ — On November, 5th, 2007 at 3:40 pm
Oh my god Bea, I would also love a quetsch tart but have you tried the big Isphahan macaron by Herme?I have to admit that I was at les 2 Magots one afternoon, and had one there. Just The look of it ,so “couture”, so French, and the taste was mind blowing,the complexities of textures and flavors so subtle…rose essence, litchis, fresh raspberries, the crunch, the cream…
Comment by pouke — On November, 5th, 2007 at 4:18 pm
recipe, please! this sounds too adventurous not to try it!!! i have never tried making my own macarons and i’ve had quite a few really bad ones in my life, so i am not launching myself at them at every occasion. but when in paris, i can’t resist having one at pierre herme if i’m in the vicinity!
Comment by johanna — On November, 5th, 2007 at 4:19 pm
I’ve never associated macaron with something savoury, much less salmon and cheese! Thank you for posting this little inspiration.
Comment by tommy — On November, 5th, 2007 at 4:24 pm
Je viens de commander ce magnifique livre si joliment illustré par les photographies d’Akiko Ida.
L’idée de réaliser des macarons salés me tente beaucoup. Fromage frais et saumon fumé….ce doit être délicieux…
Le macaron n’est pas non plus ma friandise ou mon dessert préféré, mais je le trouve si beau, si élégant. Le fait de pouvoir jouer avec les couleurs, avec les saupoudrages, avec les ganaches, c’est un vrai plaisir. J’attends de recevoir “Macarons” avec impatience !
Comment by Nat — On November, 5th, 2007 at 5:05 pm
ooh a savory mac! lovely!
Comment by Kat — On November, 5th, 2007 at 5:42 pm
I’ve never seen savoury macarons before and these certainly look divine! Thank you for the lovely idea:)
Comment by Evelin — On November, 5th, 2007 at 5:50 pm
Les macarons c’est toujours bon…je pense que pour Noël, je vais de nouveau remplir ma bibliothéque en bonnes choses. Bonne journée à toi
Comment by Eleonora — On November, 6th, 2007 at 1:30 am
comme toi je ne suis pas vraiment fan des macarons et je préfère de loin d’autres douceurs. même si je trouve que les variations sur ce thème sont assez illimitées.
Comment by marie — On November, 6th, 2007 at 1:55 am
I understand what you mean about macarons….they are gorgeous as anything could ever be but I much prefer something less….fussed over.
As for kidnapping my dog! Honestly Bea, she would probably just hop into your car. She absolutely loved France when we were there, and needless to say, so did the french! Petit chien!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by rowena — On November, 6th, 2007 at 1:56 am
Je suis loin d’être une fan de macarons salés même si j’ai déjà essayé cette association mais il faut reconnaître que la photo est à tomber !!
Je vais lire le livre en pensant à toi et à la photographe !!
Comment by mercotte — On November, 6th, 2007 at 2:01 am
I actually don’t like smoked salmon but I love this photo!!
Comment by Nicole — On November, 6th, 2007 at 2:04 am
how much i love macaron
the tasty forever~
Comment by YOYO's Cooking — On November, 6th, 2007 at 3:45 am
Pauvre victime tu parles
Comment by gracianne — On November, 6th, 2007 at 3:54 am
“But I am certainly not a wall” is a tough one. I would say you’re looking for “But flesh is weak.” I wish “But I’m not made of stone” worked, but alas, it doesn’t mean the same thing. And you’re definitely looking for “inevitably” rather than “infallibly”. Enough to tempt a saint!
Comment by Ben — On November, 6th, 2007 at 8:21 am
Tiens, c’est drôle, j’ai utilisé les mêmes ingrédients (saumon fumé et fromage de chèvre) pour un détournement de dessert assez réussi aussi : un cheesecake salé. Si tu veux jeter un oeil : http://afoodiefroggy.canalblog.com/archives/2007/10/29/4327382.html
Comment by foodie froggy — On November, 6th, 2007 at 8:34 am
I love your photo! I have been wanting to try macarons for several months now, but I haven’t come upon many recipes. I love surprising combinations like this, but I think I’ll start with a basic like vanilla or jasmine tea. Your post on the food styling class was so interesting…beautiful photos too! You’ve really found your calling.
Julie
Comment by Julie O'Hara — On November, 6th, 2007 at 11:02 am
Interesting. How did they taste?
Comment by Kieran — On November, 6th, 2007 at 11:14 am
I am overwhelmed by photo and idea of a savory macaron. I did savory biscotti last year and loved it.
Ofcourse the idea of turning the sweet into savory and making it better always amuses me and demands that I try it. Ah . . . yes I think I NEED another cookbook. You are a devil of a tease with this one.
Comment by MyKitchhenInHalfCups — On November, 6th, 2007 at 11:37 am
j’ai feuilleté le livre, et, en effet, les photos sont tellement allecchantes!
Les recettes d’ailleurs aussi, mais moi, j’ai essayé de faire des macarons 2 fois, râtés…..It’s easier to go the next door to Pierre H. or Aiko!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by Bolli — On November, 6th, 2007 at 12:33 pm
I think it’s always the pictures of macarons that draw me in, but then you went and put smoked salmon in yours, stunning!
Comment by brilynn — On November, 6th, 2007 at 2:01 pm
Ces petites graines de pavot donnent la touche ultra-chic à ton “extravagante” recette. J’adore !
Comment by Sophie — On November, 6th, 2007 at 3:12 pm
Such a combination of pictures and flavors within a macaroon! Very very pretty.
Comment by Annemarie — On November, 6th, 2007 at 3:20 pm
Not surprisingly, I feel the same way about them. I love making them, but I am not a big fan of eating them. Je me demande si ceux -ci etaient bons au moins. En tout cas, ils donnent envie!
Comment by Tartelette — On November, 6th, 2007 at 9:44 pm
I don’t get all that excited about them either. Though I must say that photo is very seductive…and I have never thought of them in a savory way!
Comment by peabody — On November, 6th, 2007 at 10:05 pm
A savoury macaron, now there’s a thing! I’m not too big on the sweet ones but the crunch from the macaron against soft salmon sounds like it would be good. And they are so pretty, like an edible work of art!
Comment by Sophie — On November, 7th, 2007 at 4:23 am
Wow, I’ve never had savoury macarons before! I have never had the Parisian ones, but my basis for flavors are the ones from Miette which started my obsession with them – their pistachio ones were simply delicious ! I recently ordered some “true Parisian macarons” from a New York outfit and I did not like them at all – tasted like meringue.
Comment by Veron — On November, 7th, 2007 at 3:56 pm
Thank you all. I will post the recipe soon, promise!
As to the taste, I am not 100% sold on this, but then, as I said earlier, macarons are not my favorite delicacies. Although, as you said Pouke, I still have to try an Ispahan, which I have not so far. My next time in Paris then. Deal!
Comment by Béa — On November, 7th, 2007 at 6:14 pm
interesting combination,
and the plate looks so cute!
Comment by Cindy — On November, 7th, 2007 at 9:36 pm
Hey there Bea … this one has got my attention too
BTW i’ve nominated you for a Meme ! chk my blog for more on it
Comment by kate — On November, 8th, 2007 at 6:37 am
Tu as osé, et bien fait! Peut être que les macarons ne sont pas non plus mon pêché mignon, mais ils sont d’un estétisme! Et peuvent être d’une originalité époustouflante!
Comment by $ha — On November, 10th, 2007 at 9:13 am
Savory macarons! I am enchanted by this idea. Unlike you, I love a good macaron but never thought of them this way. Can’t wait to get this book!!
Comment by Christine (myplateoryours) — On November, 14th, 2007 at 5:27 pm
Boo hoo — Amazon doesn’t seem to have it. I guess I am not going to get this book until I find myself in Paris next Feb.
Comment by Christine (myplateoryours) — On November, 14th, 2007 at 5:29 pm
Looks very interesting! I wonder what it would taste like?!
Comment by Yujai — On November, 15th, 2007 at 7:31 pm
c’est magnifique, Akiko Ida est ma photographe culinaire favorite, j’adore son travail
Comment by sooishi — On November, 18th, 2007 at 10:33 am
I love the idea of a savory macaron.It’s so inovative!I would love to try to make it .Can i have the receipe?
Your next receipe i’ll try is oeufs à la neige vanille et cardamome.Thank you your so inspirering
Comment by Tonia — On January, 4th, 2008 at 1:51 am
The presentation of the macarons makes them look almost sushi-like in their appearance. Who would not be tempted by a little snack like this hovering in front of you! The combination of tastes must be exquisite!
Comment by Sue Cater — On November, 12th, 2009 at 7:37 am