What to do with Macaroons
In the old days we ate macaroons straight out of the can. That was dessert.
But there are so many delicious things you can do with plain old macaroons. Like use them to make a crust for cheesecake. Or crumble them to top a fruit crisp. Or break them up into a parfait dish with ice cream and chocolate sauce.
Or make this fabulously rich tart. It’s sort of like a Chess Pie or Pecan pie. With a macaroon crust.
Make it ahead and keep it in the fridge for 2-3 days. You won’t be sorry.
Orange-Honey-Nut Tart
18-20 macaroons
2/3 cup honey
1/2 cup butter
1/3 cup sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cream (light, whipping or half and half)
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon grated fresh orange peel
1 cup medium-fine chopped almonds
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease the bottom and sides of a 10-inch tart pan with removable bottom. Crumble the macaroons and press them onto the bottom and sides of the greased pan. Set aside. Place the honey, butter, sugar and salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, mixing constantly. Cook for about a minute or until the sugar has completely dissolved. Set aside to cool slightly. In a bowl, beat the cream, eggs and orange peel together until well blended. Pour in the honey mixture and blend ingredients thoroughly. Pour the mixture into the macaroon crust. Scatter the nuts on top. Place the tart in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool.
Makes 8 servings