For Valentine’s Day, I decided to make my favorite cookies, French macarons. I have never attempted to make them before and was actually nervous. Thankfully, I had all the necessary ingredients and kitchen tools on hand, which is surprising since I use them probably twice a year. Macarons are made with almond flour making them naturally gluten free.
I got the recipe from Truvia’s website for a low cal version using their Baking Blend which combines real sugar with Truvia natural sweetener. They contain 47% fewer calories and only 4g of sugar per serving as compared to regular macarons.
Gluten Free Almond Macarons (Makes 24 cookies/servings, 80 calories per serving)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (6 1/2 oz) Truvia Baking Blend
- 1 1/2 cups (5 oz) sifted almond flour
- 4 egg whites, room temperature
- 1/8 cream of tartar
- 2 tbsp Truvia Baking Blend
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips <- My version. Truvia.com uses Raspberry Preserves
Directions
- Heat oven to 375°F.
- Line 2 cookie sheets with cooking parchment paper; spray paper with cooking spray. In small bowl, mix 1 cup Truvía® Baking Blend and almond flour.
- In mixer fitted with whisk attachment, beat egg whites on medium speed about 1 minute or until foamy. Add cream of tartar; beat 2 to 3 minutes or until soft peaks form.
- Reduce speed to low; beat in 2 tablespoons Truvía® Baking Blend. Increase speed to high, and beat until glossy, stiff peaks form, 3 to 5 minutes. Sprinkle with flour mixture, and carefully fold in until combined, being careful not to deflate egg whites.
- Place batter in decorating bag fitted with large round tip. Pipe 48 (1-inch) rounds onto cookie sheets. With wet finger, gently press down peaks on macaroons.
- Place macarons in oven, and immediately lower oven temperature to 300°F. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool completely on pans before removing, about 20 minutes. I missed the first part of this step…
- Place chocolate chips in small bowl. Place in microwave for about 30 seconds, stir until chocolate is a smooth consistency throughout. Fill each pair of cookies with 1⁄2 teaspoon chocolate. Serve immediately, or stack between layers of cooking parchment paper to store.
If you’re thinking, “Those look a little well done,” you’re right. I missed the step where the oven temp was suppose to come down. I burned half of the bunch but even those tasted pretty good. I hesitated until now make macarons because they seem like they need precise baking directions. I’m not sure if I whipped the egg whites correctly or not, but the final product (even with the oven goof) tasted really, really good! I will be making these again for sure.
Roomie and I do not do gifts for Valentine’s Day. One of my favorite shops in the South End is having a pop up Valentine’s Day party featuring DIY flower bouquets made by Petal Floral design and cupcakes from wholesome Mayflour Confections if you forgot and need a last minute something!
I’m celebrating by going out to dinner tonight to one of my favorite restaurants, Oleana! How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day?
Disclaimer: I am a 2014 Truvia brand ambassador. All opinions expressed are my own and the cookies tasted awesome. No weird aftertaste.
