Nancy Macarons Recipes

Steps:

• Make the macarons: In the bowl of a food processor, combine the powdered sugar, almond flour, and ½ teaspoon of salt, and process on low speed, until extra fine. Sift the almond flour mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl.
• In a separate large bowl, beat the egg whites and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt with an electric hand mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar until fully incorporated. Continue to beat until stiff peaks form (you should be able to turn the bowl upside down without anything falling out).
• Add the vanilla and beat until incorporated. Add the food coloring and beat until just combined.
• Add about ⅓ of the sifted almond flour mixture at a time to the beaten egg whites and use a spatula to gently fold until combined. After the last addition of almond flour, continue to fold slowly until the batter falls into ribbons and you can make a figure 8 while holding the spatula up.
• Transfer the macaron batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip.
• Place 4 dots of the batter in each corner of a rimmed baking sheet, and place a piece of parchment paper over it, using the batter to help adhere the parchment to the baking sheet.
• Pipe the macarons onto the parchment paper in 1½-inch (3-cm) circles, spacing at least 1-inch (2-cm) apart.
• Tap the baking sheet on a flat surface 5 times to release any air bubbles.
• Let the macarons sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour, until dry to the touch.
• Preheat the oven to 300˚F (150˚C).
• Bake the macarons for 17 minutes, until the feet are well-risen and the macarons don't stick to the parchment paper.
• Transfer the macarons to a wire rack to cool completely before filling.
• Make the buttercream: In a large bowl, add the butter and beat with a mixer for 1 minute until light and fluffy. Sift in the powdered sugar and beat until fully incorporated. Add the vanilla and beat to combine. Add the cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, and beat to combine, until desired consistency is reached.
• Transfer the buttercream to a piping bag fitted with a round tip.
• Add a dollop of buttercream to one macaron shell. Top it with another macaron shell to create a sandwich. Repeat with remaining macaron shells and buttercream.
• Place in an airtight container for 24 hours to "bloom".
• Enjoy!

Steps:

• 1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. 2. In a medium bowl, make a paste using 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar and 2 teaspoons water. 3. Add almond meal and unwhisked egg whites and mix. Add remaining 1/2 cup sugar and mix until thoroughly combined. 4. Transfer batter to a pastry bag fitted with a smooth tip; pipe out circles about the size of quarters, spacing each disk at least an inch apart. Rap the pans on the counter a few times to even out batter and eliminate air bubbles. 5. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until edges are golden but centers are still light and slightly soft. Let cookies cool on baking sheets for a few minutes to set.

Steps:

• Boil macaroni according to package directions (recommend: less time for firmer noodles) and drain well.
• Pour macaroni into a large (13x18-inch or 13x19-inch) baking pan.
• Add cheese and mix well.
• In a separate bowl, combine eggs with a splash of milk. Beat thoroughly, and pour over the macaroni-cheese mixture.
• Add evaporated milk.
• Pour whole milk into the pan until the macaroni is completely covered. note: nana performs a "spoon test" - rest the spoon on the macaroni and if the milk covers the spoon you should have about the right amount.
• Bake at 400°F for a minimum of 1 hour. Macaroni and cheese is done when you shake the pan and it jiggles like jello.