December 17, 2017

MACARONS FROM AMIENS

Almond lovers, taste the sweetest slice of Amiens with my easy-peasy and absolutely delightful macarons! A feast for your palate…

A Treat for Almond Amateurs

Plunge in the supreme pleasure of macarons from Amiens, but beware, you may die of pleasure, especially if you are an almond amateur…

Created in the 16th century by the confectionery “Trogneux,” which is located near the famous cathedral of Amiens, these macarons have a long and storied history. Made with ground almonds, egg whites, and sugar, the original recipe has remained unchanged for centuries, and is now considered a regional specialty.

The Secret of Their Taste

Patience is key! If you are eager to try your hand at making these delectable treats, be warned that patience is key. The macarons require a full night of rest before they can be baked to perfection.

Amiens macarons are not just a delicious treat, they are also a symbol of the region’s cultural heritage. In fact, the macarons are so beloved that they were once given as gifts to visiting dignitaries, including Queen Elizabeth II and former French President Francois Mitterrand. Today, visitors to Amiens can sample the macarons at local pastry shops and confectioneries, or even take a macaron-making class to learn how to make them themselves…

Amiens Cathedral: A Marvel of Gothic Architecture and Catholic Devotion

The edifice that we now recognize as Amiens Cathedral, formally known as the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Amiens, stands as a paragon of Roman Catholic devotion and Gothic architecture. Positioned atop a gentle ridge that overlooks the River Somme in the charming town of Amiens, this sacred sanctuary serves as the seat of the Bishop of Amiens. Its grandiose presence, harmonious design, and awe-inspiring three-tiered interior elevation all bear witness to its status as one of the largest and most imposing examples of classic 13th-century Gothic cathedrals.

From Devastating Fire to Timeless Beauty

Of note is the striking unity of its style, which is even more remarkable given that the structure was almost entirely constructed between 1220 and c. 1270 – an impressively brief duration for such a mammoth undertaking. Amiens Cathedral thus exemplifies the High Gothic style of Gothic architecture, while simultaneously exhibiting some of the defining features of the later Rayonnant style.

At an exterior length of 145 meters, Amiens Cathedral is the largest of the three great Gothic cathedrals erected in France during the 13th century. The commission to build this magnificent structure was granted by Bishop Evrard de Fouilloy, with the intention of replacing a smaller church that had tragically succumbed to fire in 1218. The nave and western facade were completed as early as 1236, with the bulk of the main construction finalized by 1269.

Notable Events

It is worthy of note that Amiens Cathedral has hosted a plethora of notable events throughout its history, such as the celebrated nuptials between Charles VI and Isabella of Bavaria in 1385. With its extensive history and unparalleled beauty, this glorious cathedral remains a beacon of Gothic artistry and religious fervour that continues to attract throngs of visitors from around the world… The Cathedral has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981.

Picardy’s specialities

You may wish to discover or rediscover some culinary gems from this beautiful French region!

What about a scrumptious flamiche Picarde or some intriguing ficelles Picarde (savoury pancakes)?

Do not forget to leave a comment and let me know how it turned out! And if you have any variation of this recipe that you would like to share, I would love to hear it. Be sure to check out my other easy-peasy recipes on the blog for more culinary inspiration!

Happy cooking and bonne dégustation!

Sixtine ;)