When I was thinking of what to bake for this year’s holiday dessert, I was actually inspired by Trader Joe’s Candy Cane Jo-Jo’s. Never had them? They are like Oreos but with flakes of candy cane in the filling. So I thought, how I can French-it-up?
And the peppermint chocolate ganache macaron was born.
These are seriously the best macarons I have *ever* made.
Materials needed: (affiliate links are used for your convenience)
- parchment paper or silpat (I like this silpat made in France)
- silicone spatula
- electric mixer (your hand will get tired whipping the meringue, I use this super professional one in cherry red, but this model is wonderful too! )
- a food scale (yes, you need this. I use this one)
- a piping tip and piping bag (I like the ateco #806, I use these tips and piping bag)
- Food coloring (the gels or dry powder works best, not the liquid store stuff)
- A macaron template
- food processor (I use this one)
I also couldn’t stop taking pictures of them.
Peppermint Chocolate Ganache
1 cup heavy cream
9 ounces dark chocolate chips (or bittersweet chocolate, chopped)
1 tbsp unsalted butter
3/4 tsp – 1 tsp peppermint extract
1/4 tsp salt
crushed candy canes in a separate bowl
- In a sauce pan, bring the cream to a simmer over medium heat (the purpose of this is to get the cream hot enough to melt the chocolate!)
- Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let sit for a minute.
- Add the peppermint, salt, and butter. Whisk until glossy and smooth. (If you like your ganache more pepperminty, add 1 tsp, if less, then add 3/4 tsp)
- Cover in plastic wrap and chill for about an hour (If you chill it too long until it is hard, that’s okay, just use a spoon to whip it up and it will get soft again!)
- Once chilled, scoop the ganache into a piping bag with a round tip. Pipe on one of side for the macaron at the edge. Place the other macaron shell on, sandwiching the ganache in the center.
- Roll the macaron in the crushed candy canes in the bowl so that they stick to the ganache!
- Store in an airtight container and refrigerate! These taste best served the next day, so resist the urge and let them rest overnight! They will keep for several days in the fridge in an airtight container.
I feel like I could sell these they were so good!
I’ve included some outtakes from this photoshoot. Chloé the cat decided to do some photobombing and I thought I’d share…
***Jaws Theme Music Starts***
Why yes, I’l take a lick of the candy cane…
She left… then came back for another round. “What?” she says??
They look SOOOOO good and Chloe' is adorable!
Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY!
Blessings,
Cindy
Thank you, Cindy!!
Wow, Angelina! I just saw these featured on Amaze Me Monday and they're gorgeous and sound delicious! I love anything peppermint but I gotta tell ya, I felt pretty inadequate after I got through just the tool list, lol! I went to all those links – wouldn't mind having all those products, but I hope I can still put this recipe to the test with what I have. I just might have to break out my vintage jadeite stand mixer. Better yet, maybe you should just sell them – I'd buy! 🙂 Well done, and what an absolutely divine holiday treat!
Rita C at Panoply
Well, let's see, to simply the tool list: the Must MUST haves are a scale, piping bag, and parchment paper. You could technically hand whip your meringue but my arm would just die. A scale is highly recommended to get the exact proportions just right. A kitchen aid isn't necessary, one of the handheld mixers work too (and I have made macarons with a handheld mixer as well). Silpat is nice, but recently I have been using parchment papers. The template is free and downloadable. Food dye – you can use whatever brand, the Americolor just has more variety. So really, not *too* many things are NEEDED, they just make the process easier! Like I said, a scale, piping bag, and parchment paper and a good attitude with patience will get you macarons!
Angelina, these look so delicious! And, little Chloe the cat…silly girl! She's beautiful! Thank you, for sharing! You are one of the features at the Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Here's the link to this week's bash! http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2016/12/make-pretty-monday-week-202.html Have a happy week! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
Oh thank you so much! you've made my day!
giggle your cat made me smile as she eyes the yummy peppermint treats xo
Thank you! I love my little kitty too!
Those look wonderful! I love the photobomb! Thanks for sharing at Home Sweet Home!
Yes, the cat was curious, to say the least.
Just beautiful! I'm glad you added the kitty pics!
I thought you all would enjoy them!