Sometimes recipe testing is about finding ways to make difficult techniques simpler to execute. Creating perfect French macarons falls into this category.
According to thenibble.com, The concept of French macarons was invented by Pierre Desfontaines Ladurée, who, at the beginning of the 20th century, had the idea to join two meringues and fill them with ganache. 
To create a French macaron you need to get two steps right. First making the cookie base -- meringue and flavored almond flour, and second, piping the cookie. When I made my first batch of French macarons, I gently folded the flour into the meringue. When I piped this batch on my baking tray, the cookies were stiff, not smooth and shiny as a macaron should be. The next time I created the batter, I kept mixing the flour into the meringue until it created ribbons that disappeared back into the mass.
I also tested the batter. I spooned a small amount on a clean surface. When I saw that the meringue spread slightly,but kept it's shape and had a shiny surface, I knew it was ready for piping. Then I needed to get the shape right. A meringue has a point, but a macaron is flat on top. To achieve the right look I needed to drag the pastry tip to the side of the rounds rather than forming a peak.
These simple steps will help you achieve the perfect French macaron.
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From: Monita Buchwald | 10/13/10 at 7:24 am
Appreciate the feedback. Are there other techniques you'd like to read about?
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From: Monita Buchwald | 12/21/10 at 11:38 am
Thanks. Its so great to get feedback
From: Mona | 7/6/11 at 5:11 pm
Hello Marth
you always have been my inspiration ( you are on my face book pages). Any way, I was in paris since April this year and came back 3 weeks ago. I was fascinated by french pastry shops in france and now I am trying to find a complete original and authentic french pastry book which teaches step by step in English. Do you know any one can could you name of those you think are the best?
Thanks in advance,
Mona
From: Monita Buchwald | 7/7/11 at 4:09 pm
I would start with our Baking Handbook. It covers all kinds of baking techniques including French pastries.