Pardon us...

The Corner Apartment will be undergoing a few cosmetic changes in the next few days! Content will still be available as well as new posts, but please bear with me if there are any sudden hiccups!

//Original photo source//

A Macaron Mishap

Yesterday afternoon I took it upon myself to make my first batch of French macarons. I've always heard about how difficult the technique is to achieve, and I must say that I agree with that sentiment. They turned out delicious, but not at all in the right shape. My almond cookie flavored macarons with white chocolate vanilla ganache resembled a dirty snowball more than anything else.

The macaron shells were too small and fat, while the ganache was entirely too thin and ran completely out of each miniature sandwich. We ended up taking the shells apart and just dipping them in the leftover ganache (shhh, don't tell). Still, my family ate them all up, and the batch of about 34 mini macarons is nearly gone. Sweets are a treasured (yet still probably all too common) treat around here. 

I used Epicurean Mom's recipe (here), and must have done something completely off. Hers look absolutely stunning! And I know it's not just from that nice little snowflake adornment. Most of my mistakes were probably in the dispensing of the batter from the (handmade) pastry bag. 

Despite my disappointment with their un-glorified appearance, I plan on doing a little bit of studying up on technique to try my hand again at macaron-making in the future. They are so light, so delicious, perfect for so many occasions, and I love how there are so many fun and interesting flavor profiles out there to make and to try. 

So tell me. Is there something I missed? Have you ever made macarons from scratch before?

Monogram Madness

Who doesn't like a nice monogram? Half for the sake of personalization, the other for the sake of being preppy, it's hard to stay away from these shiny initialed baubles. Whatever your fancy, these glossy ornaments can perfectly compliment any outfit on any occasion. Quite the lustrous staple.

Top:
Tortoise Cuff
Gold Monogram Necklace
Magnolia Raised Charm
Block Monogram Earrings

Middle:
Signet Ring
Monogram Bracelet
Script Monogram Earrings
Slim Signet
Turquoise Enamel Pendant

Bottom:
Monogram Disc Necklace
Acrylic Monogram Necklace
Silver Monogram Earrings
Monogram Chain Bracelet