K comme Kilos of Macarons

100 grs., original watercolor,9" x 11"

Today we are going to tackle the complex subject of macaron math.

 

Walk into any Parisien patisserie and you're instantly dazzled by the array of colors.

  And the multiple array of flavors or parfums. Your first thought is how many and which ones to choose. Correct?
 

 

You look at the price and come down to earth with a thump. 66.00 Euros! You run out of the shop tearing your hair and shrieking.
    Here is where a little macaron math comes to the rescue. This will indeed help you when buying anything in France. You MUST learn the difference between kilos and grams.

By the way these macarons ("individual") are sold by the piece. You'll pay a different price in you eat them sur place (on the spot) or for emporter (take it away) if there's a tea salon onsite.

Here's where a little math can help.

1 kilo = 1000 grams

or

1 kilos = 2.2 pounds
Buy 100 grs and get 3.3 ounces or 4-6 macarons depending on the size.
66.00€ the kilo
6.60€ the 100 grams
Just move the decimal point over one.
A managable amount without costing an arm and a leg.

Two+ 'minis' are about equal to one bigger individual macarons previously mentioned.

Many patisseries have ready-made packs of 100 grs waiting for you, so put away your calculators and start munching. Usually you can choose the flavors you prefer. If the box is a designer or limited edition box you'll pay more by the way. Fancy boxes are not free, ahem.

 For your edification:
1 kilo of macarons = usually about 70 macarons.
The exception is Pierre Herme macarons, where I was informed a kilo = is 60 macarons

Their macarons are FATTER.
(I got this from a reliable source).
Say after me please, san gram (cent gram-100g)
Todays is a repost since my Paris blobs didn't come out so hot. It happens.
MERCI et BONJOUR!

Macaron Mathematics

100 grs., original watercolor,9" x 11"

Class, today we are going to tackle the complex subject of macaron math.

You walk into any Parisien patisserie and you are instantly dazzled by the array of colors and flavors.

...And the multiple array of flavors or parfums. Your first thought is how many to choose and which ones to choose. Correct?

Then you take a look at the price (and you come down to earth with a thump. 66.00 Euros! You run from the shop tearing your hair out and shrieking.

Here is where a little macaron math comes to the rescue. This will indeed help you when buying anything in France. You MUST learn the difference between kilos and grams.

By the way, class, in these two pictures the macarons (large "individual" ones) are being sold by the piece. Please note you will pay a different price in you eat them sur place (on the spot) or for emporter (take it away).

OK here's where the math comes into action.

1 kilo = 1000 grams

or

1 kilos = 2.2 pounds
So if you are buying 100 grs (most often the case in patisseries) you will be getting around 3.3 ounces (just a bit under 1/4 of a pound and quite a managable amount to buy without costing an arm and a leg etc.).

When you see this sign, no need to shriek or tear out hair. Simply know you will be getting about 4-6 very nice macarons or a little under a 1/4 of a pound and not too many calories at that. Remember these are much smaller than the individual macs previously mentioned.

But here is another factor just to confuse you a bit. Most of the better patisseries will have a ready made pack of 100 grs waiting for you, so you can put away your calculators and start munching. Usually you can choose the flavors you prefer.

 For your edification: 1 kilo of macarons = usually about 70 macarons. Except in the case of Pierre Herme macarons, where I was informed that a kilo = is 60 macarons

Because their macarons are FATTER! Oui bien sur, and I got this from a reliable source.
You will be tested on this tomorrow class, so please review your notes carefully. Say after me please, san gram (cent gram).
MERCI et BONJOUR!