Macarons

I've got a real sweet tooth. I love sweet desserts, chocolate and... anything sugary. This is a big part of the reason I'm trying to change my diet, I really need to start gaining control over this addiction.
But - the other day, I still took on quite a challenge in the kitchen, making something I've only heard is really tricky to make... but that I love to eat - macarons.

I tried once to do them once before with Aunty Nikki when she was here, but we failed miserably. I don't know if it was the recipe we used, or the team work that messed it up, but they didn't work, at all and came out lumpy and dry. This time, they worked!

Look, I melted the sugar using the thermometer and all, it looked very professional!

The piping of the shells was the trickiest part. I really am not friends with that piping bag.
I did a pretty good job though, as most turned out the same size, even if they weren't perfect of course. Most came out of the oven nice and smooth, but a few had cracked - from not drying enough before baking, I later learned.

Still, the taste was p-e-r-f-e-c-t! Crunchy shells with a smooth inside, mmm!
I made a filling out of what I had at home, so it became a dark chocolate ganache. I know, I know, should've been a white chocolate cream inside these white shells but hey - it still tastes amazing!

Not to shabby for a second attempt!