we interupt this program....

for a very important message.
French Macarons
You see...I have Celiac disease. And the last time I went to Paris I didn't know. I was so sick the entire time (managed to still have fun) but, I look back & realize our 'stop at every patisserie' rule was backfiring on me. I had no idea at the time.

Fast forward to this trip. I was so sad I wasn't going to be able to indulge in those amazing pastries...croissants, pain au chocolat, crepes:: all the deliciousness I loved about Paris.
But, guess what I found out? Most of the famous French Macarons are gluten free. I was over the top happy about that. So, of course, I indulged.

Sande & I found out about the Macaron rating system. Not all Macarons are created equal.
1. American Macaroons are NOT French Macarons.
2. Not all French Macarons are alike.
3. Laduree has THE best macarons in Paris. (imo)
We rated them a 10, after a new found friend of ours, James, told us about his Macaron snobbery. We chuckled as he tasted what we thought were divine macarons & he rated them an 8 1/2.
S&R: What? only an 8 1/2?
say it isn't so.
there are 10s out there?
J: Why yes, Laduree has the best ones. You'll have to try them.
S&R: Ok, you twisted our arms.


& off we went...walking as swiftly as our little legs **Ok, MINE are little...Sande's taller!* could carry us.

Not a disappointment.
at.
all.
They were certainly 10s in our newfound Macaron snobbery books, too!

So, I've come home with a new determination: To make my own macarons. Shimelle went home after our trip & did just that. She's my hero.
And so, I've been reading.

And reading.
and I think it's time.
mmmmmm.....i can almost taste them now.
R