NATIONAL MACAROON DAY

NATIONAL MACAROON DAY

Each year on May 31, we celebrate the small coconut cookie that is full of flavor and variety on National Macaroon Day. Do not mistaken these with the delicate sandwich cookies called macarons. No, these small, but substantial cookies hold their own despite the sometimes mistaken identity. For coconut lovers, this day summons up a little bit of bliss.

#NationalMacaroonDay

Macaroons originated in Italy sometime around the 8th or 9th century. The term "macaroon" is sometimes used interchangeably with "macaron." but they are not the same. The French version, with its almond meringue base and filling, is widely recognized as the quintessential macaron.

The French played played a significant role in the development and popularization of the macaroon. It is likely the macaroon became popular in France when Catherine de Medici, an Italian queen who married into the French royal family, brought Italian pastry chefs with her to the French court. The macaroon recipes traveled beyond France, and this delicate  flourless cookie instantly became a favorite for coconut lovers.

Coconut is one of those love-hate ingredients. ~Chef Marcus Samuelsson

The macaroon eventually made its way to the United States, where the coconut macaroon takes only a few ingredients to make. Shredded coconut serves as the main ingredient. Usually sweetened, the coconut may also be toasted. Other ingredients include flour, sugar or sweetened condensed milk, and egg whites and flavoring. Once the ingredients are combined, the mixture is dropped by spoonfuls onto baking sheets and baked. Most varieties of coconut macaroons are dipped in milk chocolate, dark chocolate or white chocolate. Almonds, pecans, cashews, or other nuts are sometimes added to the cookie.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL MACAROON DAY

While you celebrate the day, jump into baking with a macaroon recipe! Make a variety, too. Add nuts or chocolate or both. You can also visit your favorite bakery and pick up a dozen to share. Give them a shout-out, too! The following are two macaroon recipes for you to try and enjoy! Share your macaroon recipe and photos of your macaroons on social media using #NationalMacaroonDay.

NATIONAL MACAROON DAY HISTORY

National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this cookie holiday.