Restaurant Review: Le Detroit Macaron

Posted on April 13, 2020 by

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I was introduced to macarons in seventh-grade during French class. Before the semester ended she asked each of us to bring in a French-inspired dish, dessert or drink to share with the class. We each signed up ahead of time so no one would bring the same treat. My mum helped me whip up a batch of homemade ladyfingers, while my teacher brought in macarons. I remember the “cookie” being light and airy and harbored a rich ganache filling that was set between two crisp yet slightly soft, sweet meringue shells. From that moment on, no matter where I am if there are macarons to be tried. I try them. 
I remember going to a French pastry shop filled with the most gorgeous confections in New Orleans. I ordered a 12-pack of macarons in a variety of flavors and I remember the girl behind the counter saying “lovely selections, always remember a slacker boyfriend gives you a cupcake, but your lover will give you macarons.” Her saying that right there has always stuck with me, macarons are a delicate dance. The demand for surgical precision in the mixing and sifting of ground almonds and superfine super, while you beat the egg ones (that has been left out of the refrigerator a few days to “age”. After you pipe the batter out, you are to bang the cookie sheet on the counter to eliminate bubbles. A change in humidity and all is lost. 
Note that we are talking about the Parisian macaron, two airy almond meringue cookies pressed around a creamy filling – not those shredded coconut things that go by “macaroon”. 
I have tried macarons from numerous places around Michigan (and many other states as well, but since I live in Michigan that’s the state we are talking about right now). Most of the macarons I have tried have been a huge disappointment. In fact, I recently went to a place that is “known” for their French pastries, and was absolutely disgusted – I couldn’t even keep the macaron in my mouth. It was lumpy, gritty and broke apart and made a huge mess. With that being said, there is one place in the Metro Detroit area that has made my macaron heart so happy. 
Le Detroit Macaron isn’t like your typical bakery. Le Detroit Macaron ONLY serves up macarons. Le Detroit Macaron located in Hamtramck just outside of Detroit uses the traditional French method of macaron making, resulting in a firm outer shell, with soft insides making the bite and overall macaron eating experience a delight. Owner Isabelle is such a sweetheart and is definitely innovative when it comes to the macaron fillings. In the signature collection, you will find anything from hazelnut to fruity pebbles. Le Detroit Macaron also offers monthly specials as well as special ones for holidays. For Easter Le Detroit Macaron had a carrot cake macaron that was out of this world. 
When I go to Le Detroit Macaron, I always make a point to try out a couple of the special macaron offerings, while also getting my signature favorites: lemon zest, almond, and fruity pebbles. 
Whether you live in Michigan or you’re just passing through, I highly recommend stopping at Le Detroit Macaron. Trust me, you will not be disappointed at all. 

Easter 2020

Posted on April 12, 2020 by

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Happy Easter! For many of us, this is one very unconventional Easter. Here in Michigan, we have a stay-at-home order, which means you can only celebrate Easter with those that live in your home. This means this year Jack and I celebrated Easter at home solo, but we did make sure to do the whole ham dinner with all the fixings.

My family is usually Honeybaked ham only fans, but this year I got a Dearborn Brand Dearborn Spiral Glazed Ham and let me tell you it was out of this world amazing! Along with the ham, I made twice-baked potatoes, coleslaw, lemon almond green beans and there was an option of chocolate chip cookies or pineapple upside-down cupcakes for dessert. We had so much food, that we decided to make a drop off to my parents, and one to my aunt as well.

When it came to the great ham debate, my parents and aunt both agreed that it was delicious, looks like we’ll be switching from Honeybaked to Dearborn Brand for all future holidays that require a ham. How did you celebrate Easter? Here is a peek at ours:

Five Things

Posted on April 10, 2020 by

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If you’re from Michigan – congratulations you have made it through another week of quarantine. Week 4 to be exact, you know I am still counting! It looks like we will be hanging out in self-isolation for awhile longer. The Governor of Michigan just announced the stay at home order has been extended through April 30. Since Michigan is having a problem with people following the order, she actually had to add more restrictions to it to get people to keep their butts at home. It’s so frustrating when you’re staying home, and because others cannot follow rules and think it’s okay to just roam around stores the order has been extended even longer.

So what did I do this week? Well, I finally caved and started binge-watching a couple of series on Netflix and checked out Onward on Disney+ which is a super cute movie by the way.

I had a real dinner and made apple and cherry stuffed chicken with asparagus. 

My coworker doesn’t understand what social distancing means. 

I went for a bike ride and saw some lovely sidewalk chalk art along the way.
Jack cannot go to the groomer, so I had to become the groomer.
My mum is still in the hospital so I made my dad some chocolate chip cookies to go along with his movie marathons. 

Double Chocolate Cookies

Posted on April 8, 2020 by

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Spring arrived last week, and what better way to celebrate spring than with cookies! These cookies are super simple to make and offer the perfect amount of crunch and softness to them. If you’re not vegan don’t worry! These cookies can easily be made regular or vegan. I personally made them vegan and used vegan butter, unsweetened almond milk, and dairy-free chocolate chips. You can even add more flavor to these cookies by adding pecans or dried cranberries.

Springtime Vegan Double Chocolate Cookies
Ingredients
½ cup (1 stick) butter
½ cup white sugar
½ cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon milk of your choice
1 cup dark chocolate chunks
M&M’s or dairy-free equivalent to top the cookies

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Add the butter, white sugar and brown sugar to an electric mixing bowl.
3. Cream together.
4. Add the vanilla and mix.
5. Add the flour cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to a bowl and mix together.
6. Add the dry ingredients to the wet,
7. Mix together by hand until crumbly.
8. Add in the milk of your choice and mix by hand until a thick cookie dough forms.
9. Add the chocolate chips and mix together.
* The cookie dough should be very thick, but sticky enough to easily roll into balls. You may need to add more milk.
10. Roll the dough into small balls.
11. Place the dough balls evenly on a parchment-lined baking tray.
12. Bake for 10 minutes.
• The edges will be firm, but the cookies should be soft in the middle.
13. Press your colored candies into the top of the cookies when they come out of the oven.
14. Allow cooling.
15. Enjoy.

Five Things

Posted on April 3, 2020 by

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Week three of self-isolation complete! How are you surviving? I am thankfully still working, and have been very busy reworking the calendar and getting things to align with everything that is going on. Groceries have been running short, and my parents have been trying to feed me a little bit until I get the courage to go to the grocery store. My mum sent me home with this super cute basket that included an egg salad sandwich, chips, candy, and water. Here\’s a peek at some other week highlights.

Here’s a peek at my adorable coworker this week. I am so thankful to have him, he adds a little extra happy to my life and gets me outside when I am stressed out.

Jack and I are starting to see spring slowly popup during our walks.

I decided to make some peanut butter and jellies just to have on hand and make things easier when I am hungry. They’re in the freezer now for easy access.

Well, I did it. I went to the grocery store for the first time during the quarantine. Let me tell you it was scary and an experience in itself. I wore gloves and a mask. Nino Salvaggio had a ton of meat and fresh produce and was taking all the safety precautions necessary – which made me feel safer shopping. Kroger, on the other hand, made me feel uneasy.

The hardest thing that happened this week was the fact that my mum has been feeling like crap for the entire year, was put on medicine for pneumonia and it didn’t help. She went to urgent care, but they refused to see her because of her cough. My dad called me to come over and get her onto video chate because he wasn’t sure how to do it, and my mum was starting to turn colors. Once she was on video chat, the doctor said she would have to go to the hospital. This was a crushing point of the day. COVID-19 is terrible in Michigan right now, in fact, Metro Detroit + Detroit are the hot spots where it is the worst. No one is allowed in the hospital besides the essential personnel and those that are sick. My dad literally had to drop my mum off at the ER where they took her temperature and brought her inside. None of us were allowed to go. The 6th floor of the hospital was all COVID-19 patience and half of the 5th floor. My mum is on the other side of the 5th floor and the anxiety has been building like crazy. Please keep her in your thoughts, prayers and positive vibes during this time.

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