Sunday, January 8, 2012

Elvis Macarons - Banana, Peanut Butter & Jelly

I doubt Elvis Presley ever tasted a French Macaron,
but if he had I bet he would've loved this

Banana Macaron filled with Peanut Butter and Jelly.

As Rockabilly legend has it, Elvis loved Peanut Butter Sandwiches with banana. So, this is a tribute to his flavor combo. Today (January 8th) is Elvis's birthday. Of course, being from the South, I grew up hearing a lot about the "King", his music and his movies. However, I can never forget his birthday because it's the same as my daughter's birth date.She has heard "Oh, you have the same birthday as Elvis Presley" since she was very young. Since her birthday was so close to the holidays, I always tried to give her birthday a theme, so it would stand out separate from the seasonal celebrations and be it's own personal event. One year, we made it all about Elvis love. We put up a large poster of Elvis on the garage door and the girls played "Pin the paper kiss on Elvis" while blindfolded. It was our version of "Pin the tail on the donkey". We also had a guitar shaped pinata filled with favorite candies, and little plastic take-home bags with postcards of Elvis and 1950's themed toys. I even made a cake in the shape of an old record, we rented Jail House Rock, and they all danced to his music. My daughter is a beautiful grown woman today (her birthday) and in a couple months she will be giving birth to her very own baby girl. Can you tell I'm so excited?In honor of the memories of Elvis and childhood flavors that always taste good together, I hope you'll enjoy making these Banana Macarons filled with Peanut Butter and Jelly.The recipe for the macarons is based on the original recipe I've used from Sweet Tartelette since I learned to make macarons in a class with her in Los Angeles. I've tweaked it just a bit to include Dried Organic Banana Chips. Even though the flavors of Peanut Butter and Jelly may bring back childhood fun, the elegance of Macarons are very adult. Happy Birthday to Elvis, but especially my sweet first born baby girl.

How-To pictures can be found by clicking HERE or HERE-

RECIPE: Banana Macarons with Peanut Butter & Jelly
(Macaron ingredients are adapted from "Tartlette" and the ingredients are in weights as that's the most accurate measure here, but you can also use a conversion chart online : here is one)

200 grams Powdered Sugar
110 grams ground almonds
18 grams Ground Dried Banana Chips

90 grams Egg Whites
25 grams Sugar
1/4 cup Peanut Butter
1/4 cup Jelly or Jam

1) In a large bowl, sieve the ground almonds, ground banana chips and powdered sugar.
2) In a mixing bowl, whip the egg whites until foamy and slightly stiff, then add in sugar and continue to whip until stiff.
3) Fold the dry ingredients into the whipped whites, incorporating completely until the consistency is like lava.
4) Fill a large pastry bag with the macaron lava and pipe small even rounds onto a silpat or parchment covered baking sheet.
5) Allow them to set out to dry the tops for 30-45 minutes.
6) Cook in a preheated oven 300F for about 18 minutes.
7) Allow to cool, then spread one underside of a macaron with peanut butter and another macaron with jelly. Sandwich together.


8 comments:

Diane Schmidt said...

oh my goodness these are to DIE FOR!!! I really mean it, I may just get in my car and drive over and beg for some. I promise I'll help you clean up after I'm sure all the plates are licked clean :)

Katrina said...

Ooh LOVE these and the idea of using ground dried bananas!

Cowgirl Chef said...

As always, you've come up with something entirely fun and new...and from the looks of it, totally delicious. The photo caught my eye because these look exactly like what I see every day in the boulangerie windows in Paris...but better, of course, because they've got PB&J! What a perfect way to celebrate the birthdays of Elvis and your lovely daughter!

marla said...

These are creative & soooo fun! Love the Elvis twist!

Sippity Sup said...

Finally macarons with with some soul! GREG

Khali//Bandit and the Scene Stealers said...

I finally got over here to read this whole post. I have been so busy salavating over the photos on twitter and pinterest that I forgot to read. What a great story. I have to say your macarons are the only ones I have ever really enjoyed so I have no doubt these are amazing as well. When do I get mine? Can I place an order some where? Xoxox

Cat said...

YUM! So creative with the use of the banana chips. I might have to try these sometime...

Laura Dembowski said...

Love macarons! I'm imagining the wonderful flavor from the banana chips!