I think homemade presents are some of the nicest to give, they show real care, and it's a lot more unique than getting something of the shelf. For family and friends (and when you have run out of money!) I recommend making these delightful little macarons, whilst testing out your baking skills at the same time! What's even better, is that you can make one massive batch of them, wrap them up nicely in small bundles and then keep some with you at all times in the run up to christmas to give to anyone who you have forgotten about or who you weren't intending to get anything for, but they gave a present to you! That way, all awkward situations are avoided!
I'm not going to lie, these are not easy, but with a little practice and following the recipe to the dot they are perfectly manageable. Here's a link to the one I used, I also used the silicon bake mat which is recommended and can be picked up for a few pounds in Lakeland which ensures an evenly shaped bake. Another recommendation would be to make sure you sieve the ground almonds, which I didn't do and as you can see it has lead to mine looking a little lumpy on top. Then for the filling, I made a chocolate ganache, but it would work just as well with a normal butter cream and is less likely to split that way, like mine unfortunately did!
These are definitely one of the most luxurious food gifts that could be given as a present, when you look at the prices of them in London you will laugh at the ridiculousness of it, and I'm sure anyone (without a nut allergy!) would appreciate them. Plus, they'll use up those pesky egg whites from yesterday! Will you be making these this Christmas?
