I love coconut macaroons, especially Ina’s version. However, I can’t say the same for French macarons. I had my first one at one of the fancy pastry shops in Paris (Laduree, I think) and found it way too sweet.

Call me unsophisticated, but give me a good old coconut macaroon any day!

Which, by the way, is NOTHING like a Macaroon!

Anna, I can’t believe the Cookie Madness woman herself has never made French Macarons!!!! This is a MUST for every baker!

I never tried a French macaroon until I came to Japan, where they are ubiquitous. I can’t be sure if the Japanese version (“makaron”, from the French “macaron”) is any different from the French original, but they are absolutely incredible. You bite into them and it’s like there’s a delicate shell, followed by airy bliss, followed by the chewy core of the cookie, followed by the icing. I guess what I’m trying to say is, do try them if you have the opportunity. The ones I’ve had are even BETTER than they look.

Thanks again for all of your interesting, informative, and delicious-looking posts!

K.