Summer Berry Macaroons

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup ground almonds
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 2 extra large egg whites
• ¼ cup superfine sugar
• Fresh mint sprigs and whole strawberries, to decorate

Filling:

• 2/3 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp. lemon curd
• Generous ¾ cup hulled and sliced strawberries, plus extra whole strawberries to decorate
• Generous ¾ cup raspberries
• 2 tbsp. confectioners’ sugar

Place the ground almonds and confectioners’ sugar in a food processor and process for 15 seconds. Sift the mixture into a bowl. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Place egg whites in a large bowl and whip until holding soft peaks. Gradually beat in the superfine sugar to make a firm, glossy meringue. Using a spatula, fold the almond mixture into the meringue one-third at a time. When all the dry ingredients are thoroughly incorporated, continue to cut and fold the mixture until it forms a shiny batter with a thick consistency. Pour the batter into a pastry bag fitted with a ½ inch plain tip. Pipe 12 large circles onto the prepared baking sheets. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F and bake for 15-20 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes, peel off the parchment paper and let cool. For the filling, whip the cream until holding soft peaks, then fold in the lemon curd. Top half the macaroon shells with the lemon cream and arrange two-thirds of the berries. Puree the remaining berries with the confectioners’ sugar. Drizzle a little of the puree over the berries and top with the remaining macaroons. Serve decorated with mint springs and strawberries. Makes 6.

Tested in the THASC kitchen. Photo by THASC.

THASC is a unique small American business producing cards and other promotional products.

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