18 April 2025
Jardin de Valérie Macaron
RecipeShare Test Kitchen
A macaron created as a tribute to Valérie’s Corsican origins, featuring the distinctive scent of Corsican immortelle and the subtle sweetness of candied citron.
Prep time
1 hr 50 min
Cook time
20 min
Total time
4 hr 50 min
Servings
72
Chef's Tips
Use a candy thermometer to monitor the syrup temperature accurately.
Allow macarons to mature in the fridge for 24 hours for optimal texture and flavor.
Bring macarons to room temperature 2 hours before serving.
Tools Used
Stand Mixer(opens in a new tab)Candy Thermometer(opens in a new tab)Fine Mesh Sieve(opens in a new tab)Piping Bag With Round Tip #11Baking Sheets(opens in a new tab)Parchment Paper(opens in a new tab)
We use affiliate links, which may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Servings
72 servings1×
Scale
Ingredient amounts update instantly.
Yellow Macaron Shell
Orange-Yellow Macaron Shell
Corsican Immortelle Cream
Filling
Instructions
Prepare the Yellow Macaron Shell
- 1
Sift together icing sugar and almond flour.
- 2
Mix the food coloring into 55g of egg whites and pour over the dry mixture without mixing.
- 3
Heat the water and granulated sugar to 118°C. When it reaches 115°C, start whipping the remaining 55g of egg whites to stiff peaks.
- 4
Pour the cooked syrup over the whipped egg whites and continue whisking until cooled to 50°C.
- 5
Fold the meringue into the almond-sugar mixture carefully to form a smooth batter.
- 6
Pipe rounds about 3.5 cm wide, spaced 2 cm apart, onto lined baking sheets.
- 7
Tap the trays to flatten slightly and allow to dry for 30 minutes at room temperature.
Prepare the Orange-Yellow Macaron Shell
- 1
Repeat the same method as the yellow macaron shell, using the specified colorings.
Bake the Macarons
- 1
Preheat oven to 180°C (fan).
- 2
Bake each tray for about 12 minutes, opening the oven door briefly twice during baking.
- 3
Slide parchment with baked shells onto the counter immediately after baking.
Prepare the Corsican Immortelle Cream
- 1
Melt chopped white chocolate to 45–50°C.
- 2
Bring cream to a boil and gradually emulsify into the chocolate.
- 3
Add the immortelle essential oil and blend until smooth.
- 4
Cover with plastic wrap in contact and refrigerate for 4 hours.
Assemble the Macarons
- 1
Chop candied citron into small cubes.
- 2
Pipe immortelle cream onto the flat side of the yellow shells, place 3 citron cubes in the center, and add a touch more cream.
- 3
Top with an orange-yellow macaron shell and press gently.
- 4
Refrigerate assembled macarons for 24 hours. Bring to room temperature 2 hours before serving.
Plan This Recipe
Save this recipe to one of your meal plans or browse your existing plans.
Learn More
Everything you want to know about this recipe.
A Corsican-Inspired Macaron Tribute 🌿✨
A Corsican-Inspired Macaron Tribute 🌿✨
The Jardin de Valérie Macaron celebrates the warm Mediterranean spirit of Corsica. This elegant creation weaves together the floral aroma of Corsican immortelle and the gentle sweetness of candied citron, resulting in a macaron that feels both nostalgic and luxuriously modern.
The Story Behind the Flavor 💛
The Story Behind the Flavor 💛
Inspired by Valérie’s Corsican roots, this macaron brings attention to one of the island’s most symbolic plants—immortelle (Helichrysum italicum). Known for its earthy, honeyed fragrance and golden blooms, immortelle adds a deeply aromatic note that beautifully complements the bright citrus of candied citron. Together, they create a filling that is smooth, fragrant, and exquisitely balanced.
A Tale of Two Shells 🎨
A Tale of Two Shells 🎨
To reflect Corsica’s sunny, earthy palette, this recipe uses two different shells:
- A yellow shell, evoking fields of immortelle blossoms.
- An orange-yellow shell, adding a soft gradient reminiscent of Corsican sunsets.
Both shells use the Italian meringue method, giving them a glossy top, delicate foot, and the perfect bite.
The Immortelle Cream 🌼
The Immortelle Cream 🌼
At the heart of this macaron is a white chocolate immortelle ganache, made with:
- Valrhona Ivoire white chocolate
- Heavy cream
- Organic Corsican immortelle essential oil
The result is a silky cream that captures the essence of Corsican flora—floral, lightly herbal, and gently sweet.
Candied Citron: A Mediterranean Gem 🍊
Candied Citron: A Mediterranean Gem 🍊
Each macaron is finished with cubes of candied citron, adding:
- Gentle citrus brightness
- Chewy contrast
- A traditional Mediterranean touch
This combination provides complexity without overwhelming the subtle immortelle aroma.
Bringing It All Together 🍬✨
Bringing It All Together 🍬✨
Assembling these macarons turns the recipe into a sensory experience—vibrant colors, fragrant cream, and jewel-like citron pieces. After maturing for 24 hours, the flavors meld into a refined, rounded profile worthy of a gourmet pâtisserie.
Why You’ll Love This Macaron ❤️
Why You’ll Love This Macaron ❤️
- Perfect for gifting thanks to its elegant colors and unique flavor
- Ideal for special occasions or to pair with tea
- Offers a floral-citrus balance that's rare and unforgettable
- A showcase of French technique with Corsican soul
Final Thoughts 🌞
Final Thoughts 🌞
If you're looking to explore new dimensions of French pastry, the Jardin de Valérie Macaron offers something extraordinary. Its blend of botanicals, citrus, and refined technique makes it a memorable addition to any macaron collection—and a beautiful tribute to Corsican heritage.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 macaron
Calories 1005%
% Reference Intake*
Total Fat 5g7%
Saturated Fat 3g15%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 10mg
Sodium 15mg
Total Carbohydrates 14g5%
Dietary Fiber 0g
Sugars 13g14%
Protein 1g2%
* Reference intakes are based on an average adult's 8,400 kJ / 2,000 kcal diet. Your needs may be higher or lower.
Community Reviews
See how other home cooks made this recipe, then share your own experience.
—
0 ratings
5
0%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%
How would you rate this recipe?
Share your experience and help others.
Create Your Own Recipe
Add your personal creations and build your own recipe collection.
