Macarons

What better way is there to celebrate St. Patrick's Day than with a post about a French cookie?

March 17 may be the day for the Irish (and not so Irish) to celebrate with Guinness and corned beef, but for the French March 20 is Jour du Macaron! I think it's safe to say the macaron has replaced the cupcake as the trendy bakery item of the moment. It's definitely a smaller commitment than a cupcake...you can easily eat one of these soft little cookies and not feel like you've wrecked your calorie count for the day. Here's some fun items about the tiny French treat:

• New York is also celebrating Jour du Macaron this year, and you can get free ones at several places around the city. NBC New York's Feast blog tells you where, but I'll point you towards Butterfield Market on the Upper East Side because they have Payard macarons, and because some of our best friends run the place. Come on Chicago, get on le stick! I guess I'll have to have my own macaron party.
• The Washington Post has some tips for how to make your own perfect macaron. Doesn't sound like an easy task, but if you want to give it a try make sure to read this article first.
• The Wall Street Journal writes about the French confection going mainstream, since you can now purchase macarons at some McDonald's in France, and at several big retailers in the U.S. And some Frenchies are none too happy about it. Oh la la, l'horreur!!!
• And if you want the real deal, you must get them from Ladurée or Pierre Hermé. (I just figured out how to type accents! Finally!)