18 April 2025
Jardin de Valérie Macaron
Pierre Hermé
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.
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 💛
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 🎨
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 🌼
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 🍊
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 🍬✨
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 ❤️
- 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 🌞
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.
Jardin de Valérie Macaron
Pierre HerméA macaron created as a tribute to Valérie’s Corsican origins, featuring the distinctive scent of Corsican immortelle and the subtle sweetness of candied citron.
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)
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Ingredients
USMetric
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.
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Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 macaron
Calories 100
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 5g6%
Saturated Fat 2g10%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 10mg3%
Sodium 15mg1%
Total Carbohydrates 14g5%
Dietary Fiber 0g0%
Sugars 13g
Protein 1g
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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