PopWatchers, I have a new Christmas sugar obsession. In a new move, Starbucks is selling French macaroons through Christmas Day (they went on sale for the first time yesterday, $9.95 for a box of 12 assorted flavors.)
These are not the coconut concoctions you may be picturing – French macaroons (or macarons if you want to be Francophile about it) are airy almond cookies sandwiched with ganache. Starbucks’ version isn’t quite Laduree, but they are good. These bite-sized ones are perfect for not feeing overindulged — although I suspect I could down a whole box if I had to. Plus, they just look fancy – and colorful (thanks to raspberry and pistachio pink and green!) They’re not associated with Christmas in France, so I asked Starbucks why they were being sold here at the holidays. A spokesperson told me: “Macaroons are enjoyed all year long in France, often in the afternoon at a café, tea shop or after dinner amongst friends. They are the perfect ‘hostess gift’ for the holidays and dinner parties.” Whatever the reason, it’s my excuse to eat them throughout December.
What about you, what’s your favorite holiday sweet? Mom’s secret-recipe cookies? Mince pies? Gingerbread men? Anyone going to defend the humble candy cane? Nobody really finds fruitcake edible, right?
Well, it’s not any mass-produced slop you can get at Starbucks, that’s for sure. If that’s honestly your idea of good food, I pity you.
Pete Schweddy’s Delicious Schweddy Balls.
Every flavored beans and pumpkin pastilles.
I make Magic Layer Bars every December, usually a couple of times. You can find the recipe online from Eagle Brand…I like to use a cup each of chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and butterscotch chips. The bars are sweet and salty, thanks to the nuts and graham cracker crust. Yum!
Those macaroons look beautiful – and authentic. I’ll have to stop by Starbucks soon to try them out! I’ve been indulging in Ghirardelli’s Hazelnut chocolate squares. I don’t know if these are only out for Christmas? But I’ve gone through two bags already. Heavenly!
It’s all about the eggnog.
I second this!
YES! egg nogg with rum! That’s my new year’s eve/christmas drink every year!
I love making peanut butter Rice Krispie squares with Christmas Rice Krispies for the holidays.
I love the Ghirardelli Peppermint squares…however, this year I can’t find the Dark Chocolate ones…those were AMAZING.
Mail-order brownie assortment from Fairytale Brownies in Phoenix; peppermint bark made with crushed candy canes; fresh panetone bread from the local Italian bakery. Those macaroons look luscious, they could start a new tradition.
Not sure if I could eat these macaroons. Does no one else see a resemblance in the picture?
No. Nobody knows what you are trying not to say.
Frosted sugar cookie cut-outs. Just because they’re such a pain to make, so I won’t make any for myself. Linzer cookies for the same reason. My favorite cookie that my Mom would make (I haven’t tried yet) are zuccharini–Italian shortbread-like sugar cookies in the shape of a knot and dipped in an almond/anise glaze.
How about if you make your own cookies instead of buying some that are stupidly overpriced? That way you get the double joy of making them and eating them yourself.
How about not criticizing other people’s different pleasures? Not everyone likes to cook, and many people actually hate the trouble and patience that delicate baking requires. (Like me! Even though I don’t mind cooking dinner-type food, baking fluffy little confections drives me nuts.) Wendy, I’m glad you like your cookies. Me, I love peppermint bark (the big thick kind with crushed candy canes on top and minimal white chocolate, not the wimpy Ghirardelli version) and peppermint hot chocolate.
Junior Mints Peppermint Crunch
And Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes… there’s just something about those sugary sprinkles that make them better than any other Little Debbie cake the rest of the year!
Candy Kraft’s wintergreen patties are so good we call them Candy Krack!!!! They also make great marzipan logs
My mom makes this chocolate torte thing with like 18 thin layers. its soooo good. heading home next week to get some of that!