I was fortunate to attended a macaron demo by Lila Bultel, owner of Lila’s French Cooking. Lila has studied under some of France’s foremost experts in French pâtisserie and offers exclusive catering, as well as corporate and private training classes. Lila is passionate about her work and she is committed to using only the finest ingredients. After attending one of Lila’s macaron-making classes, you will be able to make macarons like a Frenchman!
During the demonstration Lila showed us step by step how to make these authentic French confections with three different fillings – pistachio, ganache and salted caramel (Caramel Beurre Salé). The latter was my favorite by far! Each of us went home with a dozen macarons and recipes for macarons and the fillings. Visit Lila’s website for info on her macaron making classes.
Lila sells a variety of products at her classes and on her website that will help you to master Parisian macarons. From digital thermometers (to make the sugar syrup) to piping bag nozzles, aluminium perforated baking trays and non-stick baking mats – all imported from France! You can also buy Lila’s home-made Pistachio Paste, Hazelnut Praline and caramel & salted butter spread to fill your macarons or to take ice cream or pancakes to a whole new level! Visit Lila’s online shop at www.lilasfrenchcooking.co.za.
Lila was so kind to help me navigate my way through a French website to get the templates she uses to make macarons. There are four sizes – 2.5 cm, 3.5 cm, 5 cm and 8 cm. The 3.5 cm template is most common to use. See the Ode to the French Macaroon – part 3 for more information.
See the Gallery page on Lila’s website for photo’s of the mouth-watering cakes and confections you can order from Lila for your next special occasion.
