Laduree: Since 1862, Best Macarons in Paris

Okay so I have not been blogging for a while, with holiday distractions, jet lag, and a general awkwardness in getting back to my daily life in Australia made blogging the last thing on my mind, but I thought I would get back into the swing of things by sharing my Laduree experience with you.

I have never had macarons before I went to Paris, but am now so addicted that I have even tried to master the art of it myself (I havn't yet, just turned the first batch in the oven and half of them look like little mountains) but after trying these I am hooked.

This is their very fancy building on the Champs Elysee.

Laduree have been going since 1862 and still has a shop at the original bakery at 16 rue Royale in Paris. They are said to have some of the worlds best macarons, but I also tried some by Pierre Herme which are also pretty famous, Pierre had a better caramel as enjoyed the whipped center but overall I preferred Laduree on all points: variety flavours, decor and choice of other yummy things.

I had the good fortune to try their limited edition guava macaron and it was my favourite, light as air and so tasty. The vanilla was also pretty good. I really loved the presentation and the pretty boxes and bags.

This strawberry cake is just a work of art. Its made of a very airy sponge and strawberry moose and is utter heaven. I have no idea what the coating is but it looks very cool and was impressed to get ours across Paris back to the apartment totally undamaged.

Another highlight was the best vanilla ice cream I have eaten in my whole life. Each one had a matching macaroon shell on top and I couldn't get enough of these. I really wish I lived next to a Laduree shop.

but maybe a bad idea as here is me stuffing my face outside their St Germain Shop.

and again at another biscuit shop near the Sacre Coeur. See a running theme here? No wonder I have got a little pudgy and probably a good idea I cocked up my batch of macarons.

However for those of you that fancy making some macarons I found some great sites with recipes and advice but its back to the troubleshooting page for me.

Bake it Off a great review of Spanish, Italian and French methods with various tips.

Not So Humble Pie which has a fantastic troubleshooting page.

Now I found heaps of exciting things, especially when back home, and since been back but I feel very unmotivated. I think that the excitement of being home, knowing where I want to be, and aiming to be back there fairly soon to open my shop I sort of want to keep some of the exciting things as a surprise when I open my official website, however I have 4 big name British designers from the 60s among them!

I have added one little find that I picked up last week now back in Australia, I very cute little 'porthole' hand carved wooden money box.

Rabbit Money Box

I hope you all have had a great month, and more posts from my holidays coming soon!