Wednesday 14 August 2013

I have never seen 'Star Wars' or eaten a macaroon....

'Tis true



 However as a  box of macaroons were reduced the other day in the supermarket  I thought:

 'What the heck - we only live once...'

'I might as well go for it'

 Live life to the full I thought.



Now given the price of these macaroons - even with the reduction - I thought them to be very expensive indeed (I cannot quite remember now - so badly scarred was I by the price - but it was pounds not pence).


I think that I really bought them because I liked the purdy colours!!

Oh dear!

'Shallow am I'

(Ho ho. I have  seen the adverts!)

I carried the macaroons aloft as I wended my way home....carried high above my head.......singing as I went.....

I like to build up a bit of an atmoss (well I had to in order to make them worthwhile).

I am not quite sure now but I think that I gathered a trail of small children (a la Pied Piper) as I tra la la'd along.

I may have encouraged them to join in......

I may have demonstrated arm movements to accompany the community singing...

People may have left shops, pubs, nearby houses as we gathered pace.

I may have choreographed the harmony section and instructed certain elements to dance where appropriate.

Newspaper reporters and television crew may have descended as word travelled across the community.....



THE MACAROONS ARE COMING!!!!


I may have embarrassed my own children a little bit......


Who would have thought that a macaroon could engender so much interest.

I dispatched  the gathered crowds and told them that I would not be sharing the macaroons

I had to sternly tell small children that no amount of boo hoo'ing would get them a macaroon crumb

'Tis a harsh fact of life

When they were grown up they would understand and they would appreciate their own macaroon all the more (this may be a metaphor for childhood dear Claire if you should read this!)

Macaroons are a luxury good and only to be partaken sparingly

A treat is not a treat if consumed on a daily basis (chocco being the exception.....)

If children were seen to be wolfing down macaroon crumbs where would it all end

After closing all blinds so that sad faces could not be seen I selected appropriate china/tablecloth and sat down to eat the aforementioned  macaroons


(repeat photograph with slightly different tilt...)

They were quite nice




A few days later we were in London and spotted the most fabulous looking patisserie  (is that the right spelling?) in Covent Garden.  There...... glowing in the window were........ MACAROONS.

Each macaroon was the price of a small car but I bought another MACAROON.

It was magnificent

'Tis another harsh fact of life that I probably will never see 'Star Wars' and possibly will never eat another MACAROON but I will remember that one for all time.

Are you a macaroon maker?

Note that the GBBO is back very soon!!! Hurrah

The End

PS: Adding this in here in case you feel cheated by such  paucity of images.  I searched my image banks and found these taken earlier this year (photographs are a bit dark due to lack of sunlight at that time).  I take an awful lot of photographs (or is that a lot of awful photographs.....).  I bought these teeny cups (£1) from a Spring car boot and thought that they were perfect for cake (of course):







Not too many words in this section




Nearly forgot to add the cakes in!



I recall that these were particularly fine little cakes









73 comments:

  1. Dear Jenny I haven't eaten a Macaroon,I thought with the big build up you were going to say they were horrid!!I am sooo looking forward to TGBBO,did you see the one where the chap made a macaroon tower?Quite splendid I thought.I so want to make things when I see these programmes!I have made several Mary Berry sponges,perfect every time!TTFN Pam.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Pam - I did see the macaroon tower episode, very good. It is one of the very few programmes that I like to watch nowadays
      Happy Baking Pam
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  2. Me neither, still undecided if I want to go into deep space and with a macaroni for company as yet. My only Star Wars tale is that I remember the fuss surrounding Alan Ball stealing the book from the library when we were in 1st year of juniors. It had just come out and was the big thing. I was confused by all the fuss as Alan's family had nothing so I thought it was mean to not just give it to him so he could pretend he'd seen the film. Funny the stuff you remember, probably because I always felt sorry for him.
    P.s. I can spell that thing you were tempted to eat but my kindle prefers cheesy pasta.
    X

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Poor Alan Ball - that is just the sort of story that haunts me too. I recently tried and tried to find out what happened to Diane Osborne but could not track her down....she was a poor soul indeed and I wonder what happened to her. Sadly found out that William - who always wanted to be an undertaker and had a very large head - died at the age of 41. Short lives and most sad.
      Cheesy pasta is good too - we consume that a little too often perhaps
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  3. When I was a child, macaroons were something quite different involving coconut. I think the pretty ones are French. My daughter went on a cookery course to learn to make them. That was 2 years ago and I am still waiting for her to make some for me!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Perhaps today will be the day your daughter creates you a macaroon Angela! I now remember those coconut ones - was there a link to Fanny Craddock somewhere along the line with those?
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  4. I have never watched "ET" and now am dying for a macaroon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh dear - I hope that one of those unfulfilled 'aspirations' comes good for you!
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  5. Some more truly gorgeous embroidered tablecloths. I have tried macaroons a couple of times and find they are nice enough but not particularly satisfactory. Give me a slice of cake any day. However, they do look very pretty.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Kate-Em
      Indeed cake fills you up nicely in a way that a macaroon can only dream of,,,
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  6. How funny, I had my first taste of a macaroon today! Took my little jammers to a café and was so intrigued by the green gunk sandwiched in the middle I insisted they had one to share, so I could have a taste. Chocolate and mint - gulp. Made mental note to stick to Lemon Drizzle in future!
    Ellie x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope that they were not too pricey - they seem to command a high price I think!
      Lemon Drizzle sounds a very good option - one of my favourite cakes to bake
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  7. Ah-ha, I have watched star wars and eaten a macaroon! Do I get a prize?! X

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OH dear - I should have thought this through - prizes next time around
      Well done for achieving the double bill
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  8. I have eaten one macaroon and am unlikely to eat another but I might actually watch Star Wars again :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Interesting combinations there Annie
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  9. Ode to a macaroon! Oh dear Jenny, what a long epistle about desserts! Your photos look so fab, cookies coordinated with linens but alas, macaroons in the US are made with egg whites, almond flavoring and...coconut! Some folks top them with chocolate but as a coconut lover, I savor the flavor of the sweet little haystacks of perfection without any chocolate topping on mine. Mmmm!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your kind words Tammy
      I am rather partial to chocco in all its forms!
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  10. Once upon a time in a galaxy far far away......there was a planet macaroon, ruled by the lovely Princess Leia, who had a hair style that the macaroon was styled on. Check it out, it's true...any way there were these storm troopers who wore white even though they were the "bad" guys , but it's all right because their leader wore black and breathed heavily. ......fast forward he was Lukes Father, Luke was Leia's sister, she fell in love with Harrison Ford, and they all lived happily on Planet Macaroon....oh and I think there was a Ewan McGregor in there somewhere.
    There now you don't have to see the movie and you know where Macaroons came from.:-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Susan
      Thank you for leaving this clever summary of the film - that will save me watching it for all time now. Indeed I now see the resemblance to Princess Leia! I once saw Ewan McGregor in the West End (!!) and was most disappointed - another post another time...
      Thank you again
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  11. Now was it a macar'ooooh'n or a macar'ohwasthatit'n? I must admit I am also a macaroon virgin - shock - unless you include those coconutty type things that Tammy mentions. Not too sure about the extreme colouring there - very pretty but I think the resulting green teeth might be enough to scare those pesky children away. Thank you for reminding me about my bosums - I must get them in order 'tout suite' if I am to avoid any more gravitational pull (my Aunty used to tie her pinny around hers - and it was only a waist one!) And as for Star Wars I seem to remember it went exactly as Susan said but with the addition of a giant womble. Enjoy the cake x Jane

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Jane
      Your bosums are haunting me somewhat....do get a suitable apron toute suite

      Thank you for adding to the SW characters - I am building a nice picture of it all
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  12. wow beautiful macaroons, don't eat :-) its to decorative !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh dear a little too late but I know what you mean - some things are just lovely to look at
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  13. Personally I think your Fairy Cakes look much more tempting than the macaroons... not that I have any idea what a macaroon tastes like... maybe it is just me but as lovely as the images are Jenny I just wouldn't be tempted to eat a colourful macaroon.
    Now the tablecloths are a completely different matter... I couldn't resist one of those. Cx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you kindly Cass
      Tablecloths are my downfall.....
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  14. I'm sick of them, my daughter had to make 80 for a friends wedding so we had several trial runs to make sure she had got it right and someone had to eat them.
    Gillx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh dear - after 80 I might be a little weary too I think! I hope that it well on the big day!
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  15. I've never seen Harry Potter and I'd rather a Chocolate Hob Nob...or one of those homemade fairy cakes, thank you. EE xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No - thank YOU EE - I like hob nobs but only one as there a bit sweet for me

      I have seen HP - but not at the cinema - it was on DVD - does that count?
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  16. I treated myself to a box of macaroons from Betty's, like you I adore the colours and I love almonds, so I was expecting heaven....in fact I thought they tasted like dust...very expensive disappointing dust!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh dear - I know what you mean at that price we are expecting something beyond wonderous I think!
      Thank you for calling in
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  17. Now if you had eaten the macaroons while watching Star Wars - that would have been epic! Funny we have two types of macaroons here in the U.S. ones like you purchased (which I have only had one time and they were horrible! - but it was probably b/c they were not fresh) and then the ones I grew up with which are coconut flaked and circular shaped - they are delicious.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello again
      Having visited America a few times I seem to recall that type of macaroon - if it is sweet I will eat it regardless really!
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  18. I've never eaten a macaroon either, I want to! They look so yummy! And OOHHH my goodness those cakes look divine! :) Love your embroidery! :) Happy day to you! xo Holly

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you kindly Holly - I do hope that all is well for your good self
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  19. Oh my I feel like I just relived a scene in Oliver! .... I so wish to be in your musical extravaganza and wouldn't mind at all not getting a macaroon, I do feel they are overrated .... oooh Mr Hollywood on the tv box soon ... yes please ... lovely china and linen and why on earth did you not watch Star Wars while eating the macaroons????

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh I wish that I had thought of that combination!
      I will do my best to try and write a musical (This Vintage Life, Vintage the musical, My life in tablecloths.....)
      Thank you for calling in
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  20. rest easy, you are not alone in the shallow end of the dessert pool ~
    I would have got them for their snappy colors too!
    ( In fact, I think that's how I end up with cloths that don't fit from the thrift store ~ I base my decisions on the visual joy they bring, and not reality)...
    Should I come upon a macaroon for sale in a vibrant hue ~ I will be sure to snatch it up, (take it's picture first of course), and gobble it down in the most lady like fashion I can muster.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Manners at all times Melody! They were nice enough but it was the colour that was the best bit!
      Best wishes Jenny

      Delete
  21. I too have never eaten a macaroon apart from the coconut ones - there seem to be quite a few that haven't! I can see why you were tempted to buy them they match your tablecloths so beautifully.
    Sarah x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Sarah - it is a daft old thing that I do but cannot help myself
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  22. I have only eaten macaroons twice, once my friend Helen made some (they were lovely and tasty, but she wasnt happy because she thought they were too soggy) and once when we went for afternoon tea at Bettys early this year. As you say they cost an arm and a leg (I dont know why they are only really like meringues arent they) so they arent something I would choose to buy. More importantly and much more likely for me are those gorgeous little cupcakes. Yummyyy!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Anne - those little cakes were very nice indeed. I will have to look up the recipe for macaroons - I think that they are a glorified meringue (experts will recoil at that though perhaps!). I have not been to Betty's for many a day - time for me to go again
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  23. I'm sure your children will appreciate their own macaroon all the more Jenny! Brilliant metaphor ... I have yet to taste one, and I haven't watched Star Wars either, even though the rest of the family are fans ...

    Love the car boot tea cups, bargain! Love, love, love everything ...

    Love Claire xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Daw - thank you Claire - car boot tea cups are always the best I think!
      Best wishes and have a lovely BH weekend
      Jenny

      Delete
  24. Oh, be still my beating heart!!! I LOVE maracons and when I am in London (which is very rarely) I treat myself to a box from Laduree. They are just incredible even though they are ludicrously pricey. I've tried to make them twice and both times failed miserably. I can however make macaroons (the egg white and coconut sort) and while they are tasty they just aren't the same. Or as pretty. x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Life is funny Gillian - Maille's friend made her some biscuits for her birthday and delivered them in a box from Laduree - a very nice box it is too!
      I will have to give macaroon making a go I think
      thank you for calling in
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  25. Oh Lordy, it's 10pm and now I NEED cake! I cannot recall eating a macaroon? The price in the nicer patisseries sends me scurrying away:)
    I hope you are having a super summer
    Nicky
    x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh dear - I know that 10 pm feeling too well....they are far too pricey indeed
      I hope that you too are having a lovely summery time
      best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  26. When I was growing up, macaroons meant chewy cookies made of coconut. I have never tasted those type of macaroon cookies before. They look so fancy and I would love to try them someday. I have never seen them in the store before. Perhaps in a fancy bakery? Someday you really must see Star Wars - maybe with popcorn instead of macaroons.

    Danielle

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello again
      I have learnt a great deal about macaroons via this post -
      We did make some popcorn the other day - no Star Wars yet though! One day
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  27. Obviously you can no longer be a member of the 'I've never eaten a macaroon club' now, I thought they were big smarties when I saw the photos, can't say I like the look of them, unlike the fairy cakes which I keep on scrolling back to look at.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am glad that you like my cakes the woolly dog - a frequent make/bake in this house!
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  28. I confess I have seen all the Star Wars films but my excuse is that at the time my son was small and not allowed into such picture palaces on his own. Does that excuse still count now that he is soon to be 24 I wonder? As to the macaroons I agree they do look very pretty with their smooth shells and pastel colours but being allergic to nuts I can only gaze from afar.....and console myself instead with jam doughnuts and a plentiful supply of chocolate. I too am looking forward to the new GBBO although Old Blue Eyes has rather blotted his copy book regrettably so I will just concentrate on the Divine Mrs B instead. Philippa x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. sorry about your nut allergy - can be a very frightening thing indeed so be careful

      I read about OBE and his 'goings on' - some people!

      The Berry carries the flag for both!
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  29. Mmmmmmmm love macaroons, those green ones look amazing, what flavour were they? Used to treat myself to a few when pennies allowed from Paul in covent garden when i worked at the opera house, want some now, Catx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think possibly mint - I cannot quite remember now. They were nice enough
      thank you for calling in
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  30. When I was little, as a treat we would have a macaroon from Bonnets the baker, they were brown had a flaked almond on top and were so delicious, I,'ve never had one of these brightly coloured ones but I am thinking now I would quite like to bake some...Will let you know :) xxx. P.s alas bonnets are no more..they closed this year due to Tesco ....it's a sad world xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry to hear about Bonnets the baker - sad times....the assault of Tesco's marches on sadly...
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  31. You have got to live a little, haven't you?

    ReplyDelete
  32. Oh wow I have never had a macroon either and seeing yours in all ther lovely colourfull glory i would sooooo love try one right now or make that two please :-) dee x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Let us have our own bake off!
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  33. Loved these pictures, I think macaroons look to nice to eat......doesnt stop me though! :) x

    ReplyDelete
  34. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  35. I am also a macaroon virgin (!). I have to say that your butterfly cakes look much nicer!

    ReplyDelete
  36. I have seen star wars...AND have met the real Luke Skywalker 'aka' Mark Hamill when he was young and good looking!! as was I at the time?

    I also love Macaroons with raspberry filling only....

    What pray were you doing in covent garden??

    Betsets daisy j x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am most intrigued...how did you meet him (I thought that someone else played L Skywalker - though even forgotten his name !)

      In CG for M's birthday and went to see a show - a good day out
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  37. Matching macaroons and tablecloths.....just wonderful :)
    x

    ReplyDelete