Macaroons

First time baking in Aeons and I decided to give something I've been wanting yet wary to make a shot.

Macaroons :)

Armed with the new toy that Tracy got me for Christmas, ingredients from my morning trip to the supermarket and the ever handy bf Ben - I thought I was ready.

First problem. My silicon mat was to big for the oven. Solution: cut it in half. Which really was perfect if not for the fact it wasn't as aesthetically pleasing after.

Second problem. Grinding almond. First attempt had Ben getting overly enthusiastic and having us end up with almond butter which was quite yummy if not for the fact my throat felt like dying.

Ingredients used on the second attempt:
Macaroon shells:
110g almonds
180g icing sugar
2 egg whites
35g sugar
Vanilla essence

Filling:
80ml whipping cream
100g dark chocolate

Steps:
1. Coarsely grind the stupid almonds in a food processor. Do not over do it to become butter.
2. Add the icing sugar into the food processor too.
3. Sift the mixture
4. Whip the egg whites
5. Add the sugar and continue whipping until it is peaky
6. Slowly stir in half the icing sugar almond blend.
7. Add the vanilla essence
8. Stir in the rest of the icing sugar almond
9. Pipe onto mat and let set for 30 mins in a cold dry place
10. Bake for 20-25 mins at 150 degrees Celsius
11. Let cool for 30 min
12. Boil the whipping cream
13. Pour over chocolate and mix well.
14. Add a little baileys
15. Let set in the fridge for a while
16. Spread between macaroon shells.
- you're done!