At times, your life will have moments, days, even weeks of despair. Trust me: there is no bout of blues that a rich Bolognese sauce, filling every cubic inch of kitchen air, cannot cure.

- T. Egan

… and they’re perfect. Just perfect.

The sorry state of my first batch of macarons yesterday was rather underwhelming. But thanks to yesterday’s disappointment, today’s success is even more of a joy! I am so happy to share that after a couple changes to the recipe and to the technique, my second try at macarons was much more successful than the first. I picked up some great tips on technique along the way, which I will share with you as soon as I have a moment. In the meantime, please cheer with me! Now I can sleep at night!

Chocolate Hazelnut Macarons

Can I share a secret with you? These didn’t turn out quite as I had wanted them to be. Most cracked, and some burned. Some were far too crunchy. But some were not cracked, some did not burn, and some had just the perfect texture (in my opinion) of being airy and light in the center (with the slightest hint of chew) with a crisp outer shell.

These macarons were from the first experiment of my many experiments to come with making macarons. And this less than successful first venture has only made me even more determined to get the perfect recipe down. So just as a warning to my taste-testers out there, get ready for a deluge of macarons, because they’ll be coming your way steadily and soon. In addition to producing (hopefully) many delightful treats, this series of experimentation with macarons will be good for building up technique as well. Because the key to making these macarons is really the technique.

In addition to experimenting in the kitchen, I’ll be doing some secondary research. And if I run across any helpful tidbits of information, I’ll make sure to send them your way via this blog. So stay posted. I’m determined to come back with a success story sometime!

Red Velvet Cupcake

Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Today’s events have left me feeling particularly exhausted. And there is yet more to do. But before I tackle the next task, let’s take a break, yes?

In moments like these, baking becomes more than just a fun and easy way to make a yummy treat for myself or others. And it becomes something more therapeutic, because anyone who enjoys baking can tell you that there’s something incredibly ritualistic, comforting, and calming about baking. There’s something special in the measuring out of the ingredients, in the creaming of the butter and sugar, and in the gentle folding of egg whites that calms your nerves, slows your heart, settles your nervous fingers, and assures you that everything will be okay.

A simple pound cake seems suitable for a day like this – something not too demanding that is comforting, and delicious. Maybe I’ll throw some cream cheese in there as well!

G visited town this weekend, and as A would have it, she brought some of God with her, too. We had a fantastic time traipsing around town for the two days of our first sunny weekend here in Boston. And on each of these day-long journeys on foot, we discovered hidden gems nestled in the city.

On our first day of venturing into the city, I rediscovered old haunts with G as well as some new ones as we walked the freedom trail. G and I wasted no time revising the freedom trail itinerary, as we bypassed  some of the cemeteries on the itinerary, opting instead to take scenic routes in order to revel in the cherry blossoms and spring foliage.

On the returning leg of our foray across the river to the USS Constitution and the Bunker Hill Monument, my nose caught a whiff of the most delicious aroma of freshly baked bread as we were walking through the North End. I followed my nose straight into Bova’s Bakery, hopped up to the counter, and carefully selected a petite scala straight out of the oven. Just one, please. Mind you, there was nothing petite about the scala neither in size nor flavor, as G and I broke bread in front of The Paul Revere House. It was still warm from the oven, and it had a crackly crust spackled with toasted sesame seeds and a moist interior that gave way just enough upon first bite. It was the most simple, delicious, and well-appointed dinner to wrap up our day’s forays. And for $1.75, it was a steal.

The next day, G and I took a winding walk across and down the Charles in our cheerful sundresses, finally ending up at Newbury Street. It was here that we chanced upon the Natural Bean, which promises to become my favorite coffee house in the Back Bay area. It operates on a great eco-friendly concept, using all recyclables, and it makes fantastic light and dark roast coffees. The difference really is in the details, and Natural Bean does a great job at it. In fact, they even distill their own water and infuse it with minerals on the premises. That attention to detail and consideration for their patrons and for the environment gives them major points in my book. Plus, they’ve been offering a “grand opening” special of free coffee and tea for the past month and a half. So go and enjoy before the special ends!