Ladurée :: Réglisse Macaron
By Paris Pâtisseries in Laduree, Pastry Reviews
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Happy Halloween, everyone! I really wanted to showcase a piece today that was at least quasi-Halloweeny, so I thought long and hard about what to share. My first instinct was to pop up something from Arnaud Larher, because most of his work is so tacky and disgusting that it’s ******* terrifying. But I ruled that out, because it just seemed unnecessarily sadistic. Then I thought maybe I should post something that’s mostly orange, but all those pastries have apricots, peaches and mangos; awesome – but not seasonal enough. All of a sudden, Ladurée’s Macaron Réglisse sprang to mind. Not only was the flavor a-seasonal enough to work, but the shell is even spookier and darker than my soul – which, coincidentally, is also made out of almond flour, egg whites and sugar. What could be more perfect?
Black macarons from Ladurée are also particularly fitting since Ladurée Champs-Elysées was left smoldering and billowing black smoke last week, presumably turning all of their macarons to a deep noir, if a bit crispier than usual. And, as I’ve pointed out to others, the fire is obviously Karmic retribution for not allowing visitors to take photos in the shop. Enacting stupid policies that crush the spirits of giddy customers = your store accidentally bursting into flames. Just saying. Anyway, let’s dig into the intentionally black Macarons Réglisse.
These are . . . fantastic. As the delicate shell gives way, and the first bite slips to your tongue, you’re graced with just a waft of réglisse. It’s very subtle. So you chew away at the tender meringue and sweet smooth caramel within, noticing that the licorice essence seems to build just a little more with every bite. The moment you polish-off the first one, your tastebuds will seem curiously haunted by even more prominent réglisse tones. Assuming you’ve purchased several – and I hope you have – you’ll keep indulging until you’re lost in a sublime licorice-laden delirium.
But I have to caution you; these are some of the most addictive macs in Ladurée’s lineup. They’re the kind you can eat 12 of in one sitting, then feel like you’re going to vomit. So you take a fifteen minute break and then keep eating some more, until you pass out from a sugar coma. Just to be clear – I’m not saying I did that one day. I’m saying I’ve done that on several occasions, and it’s a cruel and vicious – though thoroughly delicious – circle.
The above is the inside of the shell. Do they use black food coloring or powdered evil to get it that dark?
So, yes, if you enjoy réglisse, you’re pretty much definitely going to fall for these. They’re so good that I’m even giving them my rare “full box” recommendation, which means I advocate purchasing at least an 8-pack of this flavor alone. Too bad Un Dimanche à Paris no longer carries their far-superior réglisse macaron, or else I would have reviewed them and given the 24-pack reco.
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