Valentine's is ending as I am typing..I think everyone enjoyed their day..although at school..not much happened ..we asked Lucas..however our teacher daughter..well so many cute tokens of love from the kiddos she she teaches..
I am experimenting w/ different macarons recipes.. and manual settings on my new camera;)
This recipe is from.. a small batch macaron..the only advice to you is to concentrate on the whipped egg whites or whipped egg white..
the first time..I didn't whip enough..this was the second time..perfection!
The 3rd time I was cocky and overwhipped..you will know..now I know:)
My daughter knows her macarons more than me..she loved them.A lot♥
I did pulse my almond flour and icing sugar in my small food processor.
Update..
I have now made 2 different recipes and had made more in the past..next one..well the 3rd one..not next..will be different.
When you just cannot buy yourself florists flowers..( I was fortunate to get some♥ recently)..white agapanthus..carnations..gerberas..beeautiful!..but when you cannot..
I think Costco..has the patent for tulips where I live..
Pink macarons w/ pistachio ganache filling..:)The colors of..
Have you seen this?
I don't watch America's Got Talent..but Max showed us two links..
You have to watch this after you make the macarons:)Or while..
Grace Vanderwaal~ 12 years old.
Why do I tear up?A lot.
Love her..no beauty pageant fake anywhere.
I hope you love her as much as I did..do.
I hope she retains her natural persona.
By the way..she won.
And I know some of you like my chocolate Christmas house..at Christmas..the molds were unavailable..or outrageous in price..at the moment..those silicone molds are available at ap $15.00 on both Amazons.
Great additions for anyone.
Speaking of America's Got talent..
Susan and I go back 16 yrs..I remember because it is when we built here..and I found Gardenbuddies..
I "met" Susan there and for 16 years we have corresponded.
It has always been light and breezy..gardens..food..family..then Littles.
She has 2 daughters ..3 grandsons:)
I have 2 daughters..4 grandsons..
It just seems like many things happened at the same time..she once wore a bikini.. and so did I ..lol now I wear a bathing suit..only in Fl because I can't go in the water with jeans..but believe me..I love maxi length sarongs..wish I could go in the water with them...
So this was in an envelope last week and I confess it touched me..I have to find a perfect frame..
she is an artist..this is my second original..and yet she never talks about it on her blog.. she is humble.
It reminds me of our potting shed a bit..I need to add cottage flowers in front..I will..I have enough elsewhere to move some..shh don't tell Jacques:)
I find you can actually feel.."feeling" in art.
I sure did in this one.♥
We LOVE Americas Got Talent! Watch it every Summer! That wee gal was fantastic!
ReplyDeleteYour Tulips are absolutely luscious...not sure about the snow,though! Hahaha!
You sure make beautiful macaroons...
That painting is fab...you must be thrilled!
Enjoy the rest of your Valentines Day...it was another gorgeous day in Paradise!
Cheers!
Linda :o)
To be truthful I had tears..minutes later ..I saw a little round frame. As touching.
DeleteI am very sentimental..to a fault.Linda..the front of the house..even more snow!And it is falling now again..there is a clean freshness to white white snow though..
Hope you are putting your toes in the water!
You're macarons are absolutely gorgeous, Monique, so delicate and pretty! I love, love, love Susan's painting, so pretty. I had no idea she had such a wonderful gift.
ReplyDeleteBecause she is so humble!She has painted beautiful portraits of her Littles..she can do different styles...next time I will show you her tulip one she sent me years ago.
DeleteI am enjoying. Asking the macarons..when they turn out..it is exciting..well to me;)
Thanks Chris!
The painting is so beautiful..
ReplyDeleteIt really is such a perfectly charming painting..in every sense!
DeleteYou have made me blush ☺️. Can you believe it has been that many years? Bikinis - LOL. We have proof 😉. I am so pleased that you like the painting and you are such an artistic inspiration to everyone! My simple offering is nothing compared to the talent of Grace. I can see how Max would love her 💕. Your macaroons are perfection! What a touching way to end Valentine's Day, Dear Friend 💝.
ReplyDeleteYou touched me so much!Look how beautiful it is..I cannot wait to find THE frame..are you being shy?You are unknown.You are a star and humble!
DeleteYou are a dear friend❤️
I'm not unknown - just forgot to sign in on this device 😎
DeleteLove the shades!Oh you're funny..made me laugh!
DeleteI am still blushing 🤗
DeleteGet used to it..your tulips are next..this is like texting🤗
DeleteGorgeous macarons, photos and special painting. You a a sweet and funny valentine Monique.
ReplyDeleteWell so are you! Jacques loves your comments Donna!
DeleteMacarons!
ReplyDeleteI just love, I can't and don't want to resist!
Amazing pics!
Xoxo
Merci Nina!
DeleteBeautiful. Your Valentines was wonderful I can see.
ReplyDeleteThose macaroons are exquisite. so clever!
I love the painting too..Your friend is so talented..
Here's wishing you the best week! Im sure your Friday is going to be so special with all the grandsons.
xx
I think it's Sat:) Jacques and I..General Tao chicken:)Friday..
DeleteYou too Shel:)♥
We love Grace too..so fortunate to share all those great shows with you.
DeleteWe were both rooting for her from the beginning! Such natural talent.
xx
I see great things for her..an angel:)
DeleteOMG I love that garden watercolor!!
ReplyDeleteSpring come soon svp!!
I do too!!
DeleteBeautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful. Your macaroons made me drool, Monique! And, oh, my goodness, what a WONDERFUL watercolor! YES, you can feel that one. Amazing. Love that your friendship has passed from bikinis to sarongs. ;) Thank you so much for inspiring posts! You're awesome. blessings and hugs ~ tanna
ReplyDeleteI actually think Susan could still wear a bikini,she golfs and wears shorts.I have not worn shorts in a decade I am sure..she is so talented..and so are you..very..different styles..and that's what makes art so fun and interesting!
DeleteYou inspire too Tanna..waahhh I just can't knit..at all..I made neck warmers for my Littles..LOL..where are they?;)
Love the banter between you and Susan. Her watercolor is amazing. I had no idea she had such talent, as do you Monique. It's no wonder I love visiting both of you. Macarons look delicious . . . will have to attempt them some day.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE tha we all keep in touch..penpals..I loved having a penpal young.I never read a newspaper anymore..Jacques tells me the news every morning..sitting across from me..and I am well..deep in reading my blogs;)
DeleteMacaroons are one of the few treats I allow myself now that my metabolism has come to a screeching halt:-). I have yet to make them myself, Did you use the meringue powder?
ReplyDeleteI did for this one..not for the next one..that I will post..the next ones are a derivative of S Lebovitzs' recipe that a blogger loved..I had to change so much..the quantities..did not work here..you have to try a few times..the meringue powder ones I made half..I hate waste..you can tell how confident I was Ry:)When you see those feet..EUREKA.
DeleteUse the processor instead of the sifter.I am not busy though anymore..I can use a couple of hours for experiments..when I worked..it was different..
Thanks for the info on the Macarons Monique:-). I have some experimenting to do. Lovely painting of your garden - such a thoughtful gift!
DeleteYou are welcome! I find you just get to know..the right consistency..the next ones..I will try..I made in the past..is made the very French way;) Let's see how that works out!
DeleteI have never had a macaroon, never mind made one. Yours are perfect. The video of the young girl, it is Arlene in her youth. How sweet of Susan to send that beautiful watercolor. It is like your garden and hers, I remember both your garden photos from GB. I have the mold ordered, thanks for keeping an eye on that. Katherine thanks you in advance, she LOVES her chocolate. Now onto birthday celebrations right?
ReplyDeleteI think Susan put it in her cart:)
DeleteI said to Arlene..you will love this,she had seen it..
What a little doll.I think Max was smitten.
You will not regret the house..not one bit.
I had looked on .ca..thinking if you two could not get it..but then checked.com..and there it was!
My gardens are getting tired Terry..hope the hellebores will be a fountain of youth!:)
Oh, I am so impressed with your macarons, Monique! I went to your friend's site , and instantly bookmarked it, always lovely to meet a new blog. I also got pink tulips for Valentine's day, and must say it perks up my mood these days....
ReplyDeleteI am glad you went to visit her..and yes tulips are such a beautiful flower..especially in winter..such a treat..and in vases thay are just gorgeous.!
DeleteOur house is in so much snow..more fell last night!
I love making macarons and yours look absolutely perfect! So pretty with the flower on top - and that color - just gorgeous. Your painting is gorgeous too and the snow - well I could use some please! We haven't had but a few wet inches here and there - not so pretty like yours!
ReplyDeleteHonestly Tricia..too much snow..some homes are diappearing..Vermont had tons too..last yr..hardly any..I hope we don't have any left in June!
DeleteThank you re the macarons etc:)
/What a wonderful post! Your macarons look wonderful, just beautiful and so, too, are the photos. Sending belated Valentine greetings as I catch up!
ReplyDeleteAren't you nice to vist..feeling the way you do!
DeleteI saw that little gal on "America's Got Talent". I was actually quite surprised that she won.
ReplyDeleteOMG.....the macarons look and sound delicious. I don't bake enough. Should I start? Even though I'm pre-diabetic? I suppose I could bake them and give them away.
**hugs** diane @ thoughts&shots
You could..but you do need people to give it away to..you are so crafty..I would do that..how about an Etsy store Diane? I think you would do well! No calories..no sugar..and art keeps us busy..:)
DeleteTres belle Monique !!
ReplyDeleteMerci Gloria!
DeleteThe macarons look gorgeous! We are truly addicted too. I can't make them fast enough for the little ones.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Costco is amazing for tulips this time of year. They just make me happy! Youngest son got two bunches for his sweetheart for Valentine's Day. He pays attention to the flowers she loves.
I didn't know Susan painted. Just beautiful.
Susan's so humble..she has crocheted(Is that how you say it?)such cute things for me too..radishes and peas..(on my market bag) pot holders..doilies..lovely !
DeleteYou were an inspiration for the macarons..you have them done to perfection and you probably don't have to follow a recipe!
Oh, I love the header by the way! That is just perfect!
ReplyDeleteThose macaroons are so pretty. I have yet to try making them. We do watch America's got talent. Grace has real talent. Love the painting and the photos. You cannot beat Costco for fresh flowers. The tulips are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda! I bet you would have fun making them:)
DeleteThe macaroons are prefection!
ReplyDelete:))
DeleteI'm very late reading this beautiful post, Monique. The macarons are so delicate and exquisite. I've not tried making them myself. I think it takes skill. We have several bakeries here now that make them, so they are easily available. They are not my favorite cookie. Give me a basic meringue! ;-)
ReplyDeleteThe original watercolor is truly a treasure. How special to have this from your friend. A few years ago one of my close friends who I've known for over 50 years surprised me with an original oil she painted just for me. It is a child, and she wrote the sweetest letter about this piece. I cried as I read it, and the painting hangs in our living room. It will always be one of my most cherished.
This post is the perfect valentine! Merci!
You have been busy! And I have enjoyed your posts..on IG too..
DeleteSusan's work is hanging up..I will post a photo of how I fremed it..well how the gentleman helped me find what I wanted..
I can see you being moved..I am the exact same way Sarah.:)
Where do I begin? There is so much to love here. Those macarons so beautiful, the tulips ... sigh ... I only wish they lasted longer than they do. Loved reading about your friend. She is a true artist. That painting is so beautiful. I feel as if I could live in that painting. What a treasure, and so like your own little garden shed. Oh, the snow. There is do much of it. My son in N.B. Got 9 feet of it. I cannot imagine. One flake here and the country shuts down. We are such wimps! Have a great weekend! Love and hugs dear friend. Xoxo
ReplyDeleteYou too have a great weekend..
Deletewhat a cute painting and yes..many of us could live in it:) Charming..
we have so much snow it's not funny anymore;)
In MTL..it is not like in the country..here the snowbanks are very high!
My tulips are now 8 days old and still pretty..different..but pretty..took photos today and will tomorrow..so nice to have flowers.
An indulgence I know.
I like making macarons..I think you would too!
The macaroons are a thing of beauty. Anything you make is absolute artistry. The painting from Susan is lovely. She is the very first blog I followed and it was through her that I began to follow you.
ReplyDeleteLike your daughter I was a teacher, (retired) and appreciated the sentiments of the children on Valentine's Day.
Thank you for this beautiful entry, you are such an inspiration.
Thank you so much!
DeleteSusan's was one of my firsts also..we happily fell into this.
I thought I will never have anything to talk about..well I guess I did;)
I love words like yours..humbly..thanks again
First of all Happy Birthday M. One day late.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the painting Susan did for you. Stunning. Please tell her I said so.
:)
DeleteShe reads the comments and they warmed her heart..♥
Your watercolors always warm my heart. They are so lovely. I just want to step right in.... I have never made macarons, but I do enjoy eating them! Someday, maybe.
ReplyDeleteThis is Susan's work:)
DeleteI like that you thought it was me:!!!
I found your blog by happy accident, your friend has done a very beautiful painting for you, something to treasure. Your own watercolours are very pretty and gentle. So many recipes (I am not a cook)and I think your desserts/cakes are art in themselves! your house must be the hub of the family for gatherings/food I would imagine! Nice to meet you. Betty
ReplyDeleteHi Betty..oh it was the hub..my girls are 40..(Tuesday) and 42..so when we have get togethers..it seems to be a turn for you a turn for me..last night we were all at our eldest daughter's so the hub was there:)I usually do our Easter..Christmas brnch..our eldest daughter's bday..it works so well..and we all bring something..
DeleteI am going to see you:)
Bonjour chère Nana,
ReplyDeleteJe suis sous le charme de cette délicate aquarelle... Une belle harmonie de couleurs qui mentionne une émouvante sérénité.
Gros bisous
G
Ma petite copine Susan a énormément de talent:)
DeleteMerci:)x
I love your 'sweet' art. So soft and romantic.
ReplyDeleteAnd isn't Susan's gift to you absolutely wonderful. I know you'll treasurer it.
Have a great Sunday.
Your macaroons are beautiful! :) I love the ukulele girl too... :)
ReplyDeleteI believe in macaroons.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Tu fais vraiment des merveilles avec tout ce que tu touches, toi ! Je suis admirative !
ReplyDelete