To millions of foodies and
foodnetwork fans around the world, he's become a household name with his hit show,
Cupcake Wars. But New Jersey's own Florian Bellanger has long been wowing the culinary & pastry worlds with his incredible skill and sparkling personality for over 20 years. While enjoying the accolades and fame that comes with having a hit TV show, he and his partner
Ludovic Augendre have been slowly turning America's palate on what some have described as a funny looking french cookie with their Paterson, NJ company,
Mad Mac Macarons. You can read Chef Bellanger's story
here.
The Macaron" or "Gerber," is made primarily of almond flour, sugar, and egg whites. Throughout the years, very little has changed in terms of components. They have a very classic flavor and colors that are mellow, but recently, the two renowned chefs have experimented, giving the french favorite countless colors and flavors beyond your wildest imagination. Available are such innovative flavors as Peanut Butter, Matcha Green Tea and Pistachio. Best yet, for those with gluten allergies, Mad Mac Macarons are made with no preservatives and are gluten-free.
Recently, Chef Bellanger explained to me, "When we started Mad Mac in 2006, cupcakes were the thing, they were exploding," he explains, "like macarons had done in France years before. But we believe macarons are a product that is part of the future. Even McDonald's in France has macarons on the menu now." This year Mad Mac will sell well over 2 million macarons.
About Macarons
The macaron, not to be confused with the American
macaroon, is the most coveted cookie in France, particularly in Paris. It is a favorite sweet of children, the ideal breakfast treat, the beloved cookie of Parisian tea salons, the fashionable gift to give, and the ideal cookie for holidays such as Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. The first Macarons were simple cookies, made of almond powder, sugar and egg whites. Many towns throughout France have their own prized tale surrounding this delicacy. In Nancy, the granddaughter of Catherine de Medici was supposedly saved from starvation by eating macarons. In Saint-Jean-de-Luz, the macaron of Chef Adam regaled Louis XIV and Marie-Therese at their wedding celebration in 1660. Only at the beginning of the 20th century did the Macaron become a "double-decker" affair. Pierre Desfontaines, the grandson of Louis Ernest Laduree (Laduree pastry and salon de the, rue Royale in Paris) had the idea to fill them with a "chocolate panache" and to stick them together. Since then, French Macaron cookies have been nationally acclaimed in France and remain the best-selling cookie in pastry retail stores.
You can order Mad Mac Macarons online via their website below, call or send them an email. Mad Mac Macarons are available nationwide. You can see Chef Bellanger on
foodnetwork's Cupcake Wars. Check local TV listings near you.
Bon Appetit
Lou
