Paris, France - Say 'Oui!' to Macaroons at Ladurée

I'm over the cupcake craze. I think it has gotten out of hand. It was fun for awhile, but now the market is so saturated with cupcake stores and TV shows about cupcake bakeries and contests, that I am ready for the next big thing. And I am going to declare this year the year of the dainty and colorful, so sophisticated macaroon. Macaroons are elegant in their simplicity (only about 4 ingredients), civilized, they make beautiful gifts, they come in a myriad of beautiful colors, the flavor possibilities are endless, and lest we forget, they are French! I found all the proof I needed last month that macaroons are trending at 75 avenue des Champs Elysée at the Ladurée shop in Paris. The line to buy these light, baked, meringue-like cookies was practically out the door.

The Laduree shop at 75 avenue des Champs Elysee

I thought maybe I was onto something nobody knew about, until I realized NPR, The New York Post and Bon Appetit  magazine have recently declared the macaroon the new cupcake. Oh well, great minds think alike I guess. Laduree is a wonderful place to visit if you are in Paris. They were founded in 1862 and have several locations in the city (even an outpost at Charles de Gaulle airport for last minute purchases) but I love the flagship shop on the Champs Elysee. Inside you will find a shop selling not only macaroons but gorgeous pastries, cakes and chocolates, as well as a restaurant and a dark, swanky bar with the most magnificent bar stools I have ever seen. I don't know what I love more about this shop, the actual products or the gorgeous light green and gold accented packaging in which they are wrapped.

Macaroons in many different flavors and brilliant colors

In addition to macaroons, Laduree makes some exquisite pastries and cakes

The Laduree Bar at the Champs Elysee with fabulous bar stools

Another reason to love macaroons is because you can make many different objects out of them, including this macaroon tree which was a beautiful window display in the Laduree shop. I think macaroons would make a classy addition to a bridal or baby shower, engagement party, or any tres chic affair you are planning where you'd like to woo your guests with something not so mainstream.

Here is a look at the current flavors. My favorites are the caramel with salted butter, the lemon and the double chocolate. And if you are feeling adventurous, here is a recipe from Bon Appetit for Macaroons with burnt caramel filling.