What is the difference in method between French and Italian macarons?
According to this question, there are two different forms of macarons, "French" and "Italian". What is the difference between the French and Italian macaron method - and where does the name originate?
I'm guessing it has something to do with how the meringue is made as I've seen some recipes that use the Italian meringue method (hot sugar syrup) as opposed to a method that uses solid sugar.
Are both methods really still "French" regardless of the name? I ask because a book I'm reading is very obviously written by a French man (apparently the "king of French pastry" but he uses the method with the Italian meringue and doesn't call his macarons "Italian macarons". In fact, I'm pretty sure he refers to them as "French macarons".
As a note, I don't believe this to be a duplicate of the linked question as that is asking for differences in the results. I'm asking about differences in the actual method itself.
Best Answer
As a macaron fanatic, eating that is, and collector of recipes and cookbooks, I referred to Les Petits Macarons by Kathryn Gordon and Anne E. McBride and to Pierre Hermé Macaron and, you are correct, the difference is the meringue, itself: French, Italian, or Swiss.
The French method produces the correct texture and taste,light and delicate, for the French macaron.
Italian meringue is more stable, using hot sugar syrup instead of dry sugar, but the macaron is much sweeter, some feel too sweet, and it's more difficult to get the macaron to bake properly.
Macaron can also be made with Swiss meringue, whipping the sugar and egg white over a double boiler, then off heat, although this method is less commonly used.
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Quick Answer about "What is the difference in method between French and Italian macarons?"
The main and biggest difference between French and Italian macarons is the meringues used to create them. French macarons use a French meringue that is made using uncooked egg whites. Italian macarons are made using a simple syrup and egg whites that are cooked.Which macaron method is better?
The Italian method uses an Italian meringue, where boiling sugar syrup is poured slowly into the egg whites, cooking them as they whip. This results in a more stable meringue, and many bakeries use this method for its consistent results.Are Italian or French macarons easier to make?
When I started baking macarons, I really liked the Italian method for its stability and effectiveness but over time, I grew to LOVE the french method since it involved less steps and is generally just easier once you get the hang of it.What are the different methods of macarons?
There are basically three methods you can use to make macarons: French, Italian, and Swiss.Are macarons from France or Italy?
The macaron is traditionally held to have been introduced in France by the Italian chef of queen Catherine de Medici during the Renaissance. Since the 19th century, a typical Parisian-style macaron is presented with a ganache, buttercream or jam filling sandwiched between two such cookies, akin to a sandwich cookie.French vs Italian Macarons - Which is best and why! - Topless Baker
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