Monday, February 27, 2017

Ronds Ronds Macarons~Take2.








Take 2..macarons~

I enjoyed making the first ones of this year..tried cocoa ones..
I referred to D Lebovitzs' recipe because a blogger used his and said they worked perfectly..
I could tell..maybe because of our climate..the mixture was too dry..and started over..adjusting.. a lot..this came out doable..this recipe..but too many adjustments to recommend it..however it taught me I now know what to look for..
Another tip I learned just recently from a new to me macaron maker..is to add brown food coloring for a real..well not real..chocolate color.And I will..next time I am near a store that sells it.

I have been Pinning macarons even more than before..and my daughter sent me some very cute ones..I think she sees my macaron making talent w/ rose colored glasses:)
We will see..

On another note..I follow all types of Instagrammers..blogs I follow..or moms..or bread bakers..artists..crafters..photographers..

One photographer I follow is from England..she is terrific..MeanderingMacaron..oh the cute homes..flowers..cars..pastries she posts..dreamy.

I am used to the homes in my little charming town..and at one point..(I cannot believe I actually did this..)I used to try and paint a small pic of the home they bought..or sold..if I thought I could remotely convey a feeling:)And offer it to them..

So  one day I was inspired to try one of her shots..

I emailed her  ..actually it's called a DM..lol.. and asked if she minded if  I tried to paint some..

..she responded :"Absolutely Not":)

I love that..

So I started w/ this one..most of her homes..shops..are straight on.
So nice of her to share her beautiful shots.

Another beautiful site for English homes is here..
Every day these Instagrammers post and post and post..
lots to see..lots to like♥
I had previously tried painting this on Fabriano paper w/ DS and M Graham watercolors.
This one is done w/ my Prima  The Classics and the silver in Decadent Pies..the paper is the cheapest Canson large pad.I bought it for my Littles..and was trying it.
If you look at  Meandering Macaron 's feed..you will find this pink facade.at about the 113th place as I type this..so it might be beyond that..she posts regularly.


A funny little Oli anecdote..he was over and asked grandad for more chips or something and grandad said :"Ask Nana"..he looked at me and I said:"Oli nana will never refuse you anything..she won't say no.."..he said:"anything?"  ..I said :"well not a horse or a car or a phone or an Ipad..you know..usual things.."
before he left he said can you buy me new mittens?He never asks for things except things that are already here..like crayons..a pen..a sharpener..
When he comes over he has been in the snow etc..everything is wet and I pop everything in the dryer..

I said you have mittens..but they are all wet..LOL
so I bought him mittens..and the next day I received this note from his mom:


So Oli was so proud of his new mitts this morning and he told me that nana would never say no to things ..except a horse and a giraffe:)




Have a good week..I am playing with paints and papers and all sorts of too many things.

57 comments:

  1. You don't need rose colored glasses to see that you make beautiful macarons! They look so professional!

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    1. I think I finally have it Chris:)It is really encouraging when they turn out:)

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  2. Your macarons are beautiful and so are your photos. Love the painting and that's so special where you find all that inspiration. Have a great week!

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    1. So funny how Meandering Macaron..happened w/ the macarons:)Thanks Tricia!

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  3. Your macarons are beautiful! I'll have a glass of Ripassa with mine :) I wondered if you had found inspiration for your painting at MeanderingMacaron and then I read a little farther...What beautiful photos on her feed and how very nice that she gave you permission to paint from them. I laughed at the sweet Oli anecdote :)

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    1. Forgot to add that your painting is lovely!

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    2. She is so humble and sweet to from what I see..

      as for the little painting..and it is little..the colors don't seem true here and I have to say it's hard to stare at something you did here..I have to keep trying though and seeing:)
      I'll have a half bottle;)

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  4. Your macarons are so beautiful. I love the light dusting of chocolate. They are a special treat. I love the Oli story. It made me really smile..not a horse or a giraffe! Too cute.

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    1. Like Art Linkletter used to say":Kids say the darndest things!"

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  5. The macarons are so yummy.. And the painting is incredible..

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  6. LOL! Only a horse or a giraffe are off limits? I suspect even they might be possible with the love of his Nana. ;) LOVE your watercolor! And, your gift to homeowners. I've been thinking about doing one of my daughter's old home in VA since they moved last summer... thinking, not doing. It's still on my "list". You've nudged me a little. :)
    You make such beautiful food, Monique! And, I know it is just as delicious as it is beautiful. Wish I had one of those macarons right now. Have a delightful day. blessings and hugs ~ tanna

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    1. Tanna..thank you..and PLEASE paint your daughter's new home ..the boys would love..! And your daughter.I have seen your paintings..PLEASE?:)

      I just love these littles..he still has the innocence..the baby..soon to not be I am certain..FLIES by!

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  7. Love love love YOUR aquarelle!!'
    Thanks for MM IG...soo very pretty!

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  8. Sounds like you are having fun while waiting for spring. Oli is so sweet. Just love little boys and their innocence. Your painting is wonderful and glad you get to give it a go so often. I need to get started again. I need to light a fire under me. When spring arrives, I'll be too busy for much else.

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    1. That's what I am thinking..storing the brushes for indoors and some of the spatulas for the trowels..and rakes ..;)

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  9. God bless Oli's little heart, cute story! And your tulips are gorgeous, very pretty pink pic for this windy chilly day with snow on the way!

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    1. I know..his little 7 yr old heart..I have to say though..they all have quite the hearts♥
      Here rain..is in the forecast..yet they say..it's not over yet;)

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  10. BTW, forgot to say, glad you liked the PB cookies!

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  11. Olin is such a sweet child. Mlove your painting and of course your delicious looking macarons.

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  12. You Oli story is such a sweet one! And you're a good Nana to get him mitts!

    It's almost macaron time here. Each year my friend Kate and I make macarons. We have a good cookie part and now I need to find some new filling recipes. And I love your painting. I've been painting a bit too and really enjoying it. (A house, by the way -- one from the Vineyard!) It feels good to have the brush in hand again!

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    1. Tag..you are the next nana!!
      I may bee seeing the Vineyard this year..it's been about 20 yrs..
      I know it will be the same..that's what I love about it♥
      I hope we see your beautiful macarnos:)

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  13. Happy March Monique!
    Love the Mittens story...they can always tug at the old heart strings,eh?
    That painting is so dear...just what I would imagine your front step to look like.
    You really are very talented you know....take a bow! 👏🏻
    Record breaking temps here in the Gulf...gonna be 93f today!
    And...we are off to sweat in Dunedin at a Blue Jays game....😳
    Have a wonderful day...
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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    1. Have fun! You went last yr too right?

      Miz here to day..POURING rain..colder tonight..lots of snow ..enjoy the 90's:) Enjoy enjoy enjoy!

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    2. I must remember that....enjoy,enjoy,enjoy!
      So hot at the game...unbelievable...water was $4 US.... 😳
      Beautiful sunset when we got back to the cottage...😊

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    3. I remember w/ great fondness when our $ was worth more..or heck even at par..:(

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  14. Dear Nana receives my deepest admiration!
    The fact is that I, who love macarons, do not have the faintest idea how they are cooked.
    Yours are perfect and beautiful together with this wonderful bouquet of pink tulips.
    Lots of hugs
    Nina

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    1. Thanks so much Nina..you could make them..I see everything else you can make:)

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  15. This to me is the most elegant of cookies. I've yet to feel brave enough to give it a try.
    Amalia
    xo

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    1. You have to be prepared for a failure or two f you are like me..but maybe you will be successful first time ever!
      Try half recipes..so there is no waste..I am so big on trying not to waste..I think you could make them so prettily Amalia.

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  16. Your Macarons are gorgeous Monique. I have never made a Macaron. I have made macaroons, but not macarons. I love them. I really need to try. Your painting is also gorgeous. I cannot imagine anyone not wanting you to paint their home. What a treasure that would be. I love it when you talk about your grandsons. How very blessed you are. You deserve it. Love you to bits. Can't wait to see what you are playing with. xoxo

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    1. You are always so encouraging Marie:)
      THank you for all the kind things you say..everyone can use a pick me up right? To keep trying?
      :)

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    2. Oh, I wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it Monique! I think you are so talented! I am in awe of all that you do. seriously

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  17. Such a sweet painting Monique💕 Do you age the eggs for the Macarons?

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    1. So happy to have found you on instagram! I also have a hard time saying no to my grandson😊

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    2. Me too ..when I saw you I looked at all your photos♥!

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  18. I love the painting. So Sweet and I love your Nana stories too.

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    1. One day it will be you:)You will see..:)Thanks A!

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  19. I'm impressed and longing to know which recipe you used? I love your Oli story:)

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    1. Well..it was D Lebovitz's but it did not work for me..well was NOT working for me..it was too dry I knew it..the previous receipe I posted..should encourage you..it was Take 1..:) THis next time I am going to do what I did years ago..the very French way..fingers crossed:)
      LUcas did something so cute this week too..I just feel like talking about the 4 boys..lol

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  20. Beautiful painting. Your macaroons are masterpieces.
    Just love the story of your Oli.
    Happy weekend!

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    1. Happy..weekend to you also..he is a little pet that one..has a knack..making me laugh..

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  21. Absolutely lovely macarons ! Monique you all make beautiful and amazing!!

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    1. I don't show the awful bloopers:)
      Just the things that work..thank you:)

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  22. I've never tried making macarons but I do love them…they almost melt in your mouth. I do know that weather plays a part in preparing them. Yours look great even if you did have to do a lot of adjustments.

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    1. Thanks Karen..I hear the weather is superb in FL:)

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  23. Your macaroons look amazing and their presentation is so artistic. That little Oli is such a sweetheart . If I were his grandmama, I would give him the world and then some. Can't wait to see more of your paintings. You are so gifted.
    Diana

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    1. It is so easy to want to please them,..while I can..I make no apologies☺️I am so grateful they like being with us..time marches on and things will change..so I am hanging on:)
      Thank you for your nice comments..not sure about the gifted part..I need to stay in a zone of creative distraction..so I keep trying..thank you!

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  24. Monique, Your macaroons are a work of art! Love how you sprinkled just the right amount of cocoa on them ♥Of course, loving the watercolor! Hugs, Jody

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  25. :) Your painting is so lovely! I love the name meandering macaron.... great pics too! xo

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  26. Ah oui ? Tu n'offres pas les girafes ? ;-)

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  27. Monique, I think I sent you an email on this but I've been so foggy this week and a bit out of control with the ER pain, schedules and all that it dawned on me maybe I should just reply here. Tracy and Marie's mail exchange -- I so hope you will want to "trade mail!" I know just what I should like to send north to you! We can swap addresses via email -- I know you have mine. Fingers crossed!

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