Smoked Paprika Macarons with Dark Chocolate Ganache Filling

When cleaning out my spice cabinet recently,  I set aside some things to try to work into macaron shells. Smoked paprika and sumac sit in the front of the shelf as I use them both often in cooking and salad dressings. I’ve already made shells with sumac, so it was time to take on the smoked paprika.

What I was most surprised about was the color. I didn’t think this spice would tint the shells such a vibrant shade. Bonus.

I went through several elaborate plans for fillings, many with several ingredients. Then I realized I was just over thinking it. Thee was some leftover chocolate ganache in the fridge. Done and done.

There was a risk both the bitterness of the smaked paprika and of the dark chocolate might be too much when paired together. The result, however, was a delightful macaron with rich powerful flavor.

For the Smoked Paprika Shells:

Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements.

• 3 egg whites – aged at least 2 days. Let them sit out on the counter uncovered.
• 25-50 grams of fine granulated sugar
• 200 grams of powdered sugar (minus 2 tablespoons)
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 110 Grams of almond flour*
• Pinch of cream of tarter
• Pinch of salt

• Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or use a silpat.
• Sift the powdered sugar and almond flour together or pulse them together briefly in a food processor. Make sure there are no large pieces. 
• Remove and discard two tablespoons of the mixture and whisk in the tablespoons of smoked paprika and set aside. 
• Whip the egg whites. When they start to get foamy, slowly add the sugar. Continue whipping until you can turn the bowl upside down and nothing slides out. Add  the pinches of salt and cream of tartar.
• Add the powdered sugar/almond/paprika mixture to the egg white mixture and fold, using quick strokes at first then slow down. The batter should have a “flowing like lava” consistency.  Make a peak of the batter and if it does not disappear after 5-7 seconds, keep folding. If it’s running all over the place, you will probably have to start over. 
• Place a pastry bag fitted with a round shaped tip in a tall water and and fold the edges down around the glass.
• Fill the pastry bag with the macaron batter, twist the open top to secure and pipe circles onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or on a Silpat. 
• Let the macarons dry for about a half hour or until they harden.
• Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
• Place the macarons on the middle rack in the oven. I keep the oven door propped open with a dish towel or wooden spoon.
• I place another empty baking sheet on top to prevent the shells from becoming toasted and discolored.
• Bake for 18-20 minutes.
• When checking them after 10 minutes or so,  if the ones in the back of the sheet seem to be cooking faster that the ones in front, flip the tray around.
• To test to see if they are done, peel the baking paper or silpat back, if the shell comes off easily, they are done.
• If you do have a problem with the shells sticking to the surface when removed from the oven, lift up the baking paper and pour a bit of water underneath. this will steam them off the paper.
• Transfer to a baking rack and let cool completely before matching up the shells into pairs according to size and then fill.

For the Dark chocolate ganache:

I used THIS recipe from Joy of Baking and used dark chocolate.