Lime Macarons

Ingredients

Cookie

1/4 cup ground almonds

1 cup confectioners sugar

2 extra-large egg white

1/4 cup superfine sugar

finely grated rind of 1 lime

green food coloring

Filling

4 large egg yolks

1/2 cup fresh lime juice

The rind of one lime

1 stick of butter, sliced.

Instructions

Place the ground almonds and confectioners sugar in a food processor and process for 15 seconds. Sift the mixture into a bowl. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

Place the egg whites in a large bowl and whip until holding soft peaks. Gradually beat in the superfine sugar to make a firm, glossy meringue. Beat in the lime rind and enough food coloring to give a pastel green color.

Using a spatula, fold the almond mixture into the meringue one-third at a time. When all the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated, continue to cut and fold the mixture until it forms a shiny batter. The batter should be a thick, ribbon-like consistency when you scoop using the spatula.

Pour the batter into a pastry bag with either a plain tip or a cut tip of about 3/4 inch. Pipe small circles onto the prepared baking sheets. Once piped, tap the baking sheets firmly onto a countertop to remove air bubbles. Let the cookies stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes. Carefully peel the macaroons off the parchment paper and let them cool completely.

For the filling, beat together the eggs yolks, sugar, lime rind, and lime juice. Pour into a small saucepan and stir over low-medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.

Add the cold butter a couple of pieces at a time, stirring until each addition is melted and incorporated.

Continue cooking the mixture for 4-5 minutes until it is thickened and coats the back of a spoon or leaves a thick coating on the side of the pan when you tilt it. Chill in the refrigerator.

To assemble macarons, add a small dab of the lime curd when chilled to a macaron and place another cookie atop, and sandwich the curd. Enjoy as a refreshing afternoon treat or use as a centerpiece for any dessert table for your next get-together.