4 days before:
Separate the egg whites from the yolks, and store the whites in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
4 hours before:
Take the egg whites out of the refrigerator to bring them to room temperature. Toast the almond powder for 10 minutes in the oven at 150°C using natural convection. Measure out all your ingredients and divide the egg whites into two equal portions. Make sure your equipment is clean and dry.
Step 1
Blend the powdered sugar and toasted almond flour in short bursts, then sift the mixture to achieve the finest possible powder.
Step 2
Line a perforated baking sheet with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 150°C on the convection setting with a solid baking sheet inside, on top of which you will then place your perforated baking sheet.
Step 3
In a small saucepan, heat the water and granulated sugar without stirring until the mixture reaches 100°C. Meanwhile, begin whisking half of the egg whites, gradually increasing the speed, until they are light and fluffy.
Step 4
When the syrup reaches 118°C, reduce the mixer’s speed and pour the syrup in a thin stream over the whipped egg whites. If desired, add your food coloring once the syrup is fully incorporated. Continue whisking until the mixture cools to 30–40°C and forms a smooth, glossy peak.
Step 5
Add the second half of the unwhipped egg whites and whisk for 10 seconds to incorporate them. Replace the whisk with the flat beater, add the almond flour and powdered sugar mixture all at once, and mix for 30 seconds to 1 minute on the lowest speed. Continue mixing with a rubber spatula until you obtain a smooth, slightly runny batter.
Step 6
Fill an 8-mm piping bag with the mixture while it’s still warm, making sure to press out any air. Pipe the macarons in a staggered pattern onto the baking sheet, spacing them far enough apart because they will spread slightly. Tap the baking sheet gently on the countertop a few times to remove any air bubbles and smooth out the shells.
Step 7
Let your shells set in a dry place for 30 minutes to 1 hour, until the mixture no longer sticks to your finger.
Step 8
Bake at 150°C on the convection setting for about 13 minutes. After 7 minutes, open the oven for 2 seconds to let the steam escape, then do this again after 10 minutes.
Step 9
As soon as you take them out of the oven, lightly moisten your countertop and slide the baking sheet onto it to stop the baking process and make it easier to remove the shells. If you like, use your thumb to gently hollow out the inside of each shell while it’s still warm so you can add more filling.
Step 10
In a saucepan, heat half of the cream with the raspberry purée until it simmers. Add the remaining half of the cold cream, stir to combine, cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (ideally overnight). Once thoroughly chilled, whip the ganache with a whisk until it reaches a smooth, pipable consistency. Fill the macarons and store them in the refrigerator uncovered for 24 to 48 hours to allow them to mature.
Step 11
Take the macarons out of the refrigerator 15 minutes before serving to ensure they have a soft center and a slightly crisp shell.