national-macaroon-day-may-31

National Macaroon Day May 31

Diving into the sweet world of macarons, you'll find yourself on a delicious journey through time. From their humble beginnings to becoming the epitome of French patisserie elegance, macarons have captured hearts and taste buds around the globe. But how did these colorful confections evolve from simple almond cakes to the sophisticated treats we know and love today? With roots tracing back to the Renaissance, these little delights have a story as rich and layered as their flavors. From the royal courts of France to the trendy cafés of Paris, macarons have undergone a remarkable transformation, adapting to the tastes and fashions of the times. Each bite-sized piece not only offers a burst of flavor but also a taste of history, making macarons much more than just a dessert. They're a culinary tradition, wrapped in an air of mystery, and sprinkled with a dash of controversy over their true origins. Ready to unwrap the story of how macarons became the crown jewels of French sweets?

Key Takeaway

Macarons have been enjoyed in France since at least the 16th century, with the modern version believed to have originated in the Parisian bakery of Catherine de’ Medici.
Over the centuries, macarons have evolved in shape, filling, and texture, becoming a symbol of French culinary art and enjoyed worldwide. National Macaroon Day on May 31 is a perfect time to indulge in these delightful treats and appreciate their rich history.

Timeline

1792
Invention of Macarons
The macaron, a French cookie, was first created by Pierre Desfontaines, the French pastry chef.
1862
Birth of the Macaroon
The macaroon, a coconut-based cookie, was first created in the United States.
1958
First Macaroon Recipe
The first macaroon recipe was published in the United States, in the Fannie Farmer Cookbook.
1985
Establishment of National Macaroon Day
National Macaroon Day was established in the United States, on May 31st, to celebrate the popular coconut-based cookie.
2000
Macaroon Popularity
Macaroons gained popularity in the United States, with many bakeries and patisseries offering their own unique versions.
2010
Macaroon vs Macaron
The distinction between macaroons and macarons became more widely known, with macarons becoming more popular in high-end bakeries.
2020
Macaroon Day Celebrations
National Macaroon Day is celebrated across the United States, with bakeries offering special deals and promotions on macaroons.

Day Activities

  1. Kick off National Macaroon Day with a bang by hosting a macaron-making workshop. Invite friends or family over and challenge each other to whip up the most inventive flavors. From classic chocolate to wild card entries like bacon-maple, let creativity reign supreme in the kitchen. Don't forget to share your culinary masterpieces on social media to spread the macaron love far and wide!

  2. If you're not one to mess around in the kitchen, why not embark on a macaron crawl? Scout out local bakeries and cafes to taste their offerings. Make it a point to try at least one flavor you've never had before – who knows, you might just discover your new favorite. Keep scorecards for fun and crown the day's best macaron at the end of your adventure.

  3. For those who prefer a quieter celebration, consider a "Macarons and Books" afternoon. Pair different macaron flavors with books that match their essence. For instance, a lavender macaron could go with a soothing, contemplative novel, while a spicy chili chocolate macaron might pair well with an action-packed thriller. It's a unique way to savor both the treats and some quality reading time.

Why We Love This Day

  • Celebrating French culinary artistry: Macarons are a testament to the evolution of French baking, showcasing how a simple recipe can transform into a global phenomenon. From their humble beginnings in the 16th century to the glossy, colorful treats we adore today, macarons symbolize the finesse and innovation of French cuisine. On National Macaroon Day, we're not just biting into a sweet delight; we're savoring centuries of culinary craftsmanship and tradition.

  • A sweet excuse to indulge: Let's face it, we all need a little sweetness in our lives, and what better excuse than National Macaroon Day to treat ourselves? Whether you're a fan of the classic flavors or you're adventurous with your taste buds, craving something like salted caramel or matcha, this day gives you the perfect reason to indulge guilt-free. After all, celebrating a holiday dedicated to macarons means you're practically obligated to enjoy one… or a dozen.

  • A journey through flavor and history: Every bite of a macaron is a step back in time, a delicious morsel of history. From Catherine de' Medici's introduction of the macaron to France to the modern-day innovations that have led to an array of flavors, textures, and colors, National Macaroon Day is a celebration of both taste and tradition. It's a day to appreciate not just the culinary skills that go into making these treats but also the rich history that has made macarons a beloved dessert around the world.

Past & Future Dates

Month Day Year
MAY 31 2022
MAY 31 2023
MAY 31 2024
MAY 31 2025
MAY 31 2026
MAY 31 2027
MAY 31 2028

FAQ

What national day is on May 31?

2024 Daily Holidays that fall on May 31, include: National Autonomous Vehicle Day. National Macaroon Day. National Meditation Day. National Save Your Hearing Day.

Where is macaron Day celebrated?

The tradition of Macaron Day was established in 2005 in Paris as a partnership among local macaron patisseries to celebrate the French macaron and to support local charities. Five years later, in 2010, French macaron shops in NYC also began organising an annual Macaron Day charity event.

What holiday do you eat macaroons?

Most likely, Italian or French Jews, early on, realized that macaroons made without flour or leavening, would be perfect for Passover. And so they are. They are also incredibly easy to make. The simplest versions contain just ground nuts, sugar and egg whites.

What is a macaron vs macaroon?

Separated by more than just one O, macarons and macaroons may have similar sounding names, but these two cookies couldn't be more different when it comes to taste and technique. A macaron is a sandwich-like cookie that's filled with jam, ganache, or buttercream. A macaroon is a drop cookie made using shredded coconut.