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Move over red velvets, Macaroons! This is the

new chic way to put on the pounds while looking oh so very French. Here are some interesting facts we found and the best places

to get them.

1 " O " N O

There is big controversy around the correct way to spell Macaroon.

The French spell it with a single "o",  while in English the word gets two.  One "O" or two, the

funny thing is that Macaroni and Macaroons both got their names

from the Italian word "Maccarone" - meaning beat or crush.

2 S I S T E R A C T

The Macaroon Sisters - or

"Les Soeurs Macarons" - were two very clever nuns who escaped the French revolution and made living

baking and selling Macaroons. At the time they were a very basic almond, egg white and sugar cookies. Today a plate of Macaroons can make the

gay flag look drab.

3 TA K E M E AWAY

Macaroons are so deeply entrenched in European culture that they are even

sold at the MacDonald's in Austria and France.

4 C U R AT E D C O N F E C T I O N S

If we haven't convinced you by

now that Macaroons are the most interesting little desserts ever, there

is a Museum in Montmorillon France dedicated solely to their history.

5 H AV E Y O U H E A R D ?

Recently reviving their popularity, Macaroons even made a guest

appearance on the much-loved TV show, Gossip Girl. If they are good

enough for Blair, they are good enough for me!

T RY Y O U R H A N D :

There are lots of good Macaroon recipes on the interweb.

Why not visit these websites and try it yourself?

www.bravetart.com www.cakejournal.com www.foodnouveau.com

To follow a real Macaroon Master,

find @DecadentDani on Twitter.

M A C A R O O N SWe heart

BY KELLY FRASER

C A P E T O W N : M YAT T C A F É

For a pinkie-in-the-air high tea, head to Myatt Café in the heart of the V&A Waterfront. This upmarket café boasts a host of delicious confections, not least of all, their wide selection of mouthwatering Macaroons. Give them a ring on 021 418 8844.

J O H A N N E S B U R G : L A PAT I S S E R I E

This lovely, French boudoir-inspired spot in Illovo sells delicious Macaroons at R10 a pop. The setting is perfect for an all-round Macaroon experience a la Audrey Hepburn. Call 011 268 0044 for the lowdown.

D U R B A N : M A C A R O O N C A F É

If you’re a bit of a Macaroon connoisseur, visit the Macaroon Café on 275 Florida Road, Morningside. The name says is all – think inventive flavours, with new ones being created almost weekly. In the owner’s own words - "Practice makes perfect!" The lucky number is 031 303 6076.

Unlike most pastries, Macaroons actually get better with age. After a day or two, their shells become all

soft and chewy. So while it’s perfectly normal to devour them all in the car on your way home, it’s actually quite possible to keep them in the fridge for

up to a week. Just saying.

Five FA S T FA C T S

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