Macaron Madness

Dear cupcake, meet your replacement

When one trend starts to fade, another begins to shine brightly. In the world of palm-sized desserts, that means one thing: macarons.

No, not the dry, coconut flecked mounds known as macaroons. We're talking about sweet, petite sandwiches. The ones featuring meringue cookies - made with egg whites and ground almonds - bound together with a sweet, tangy or creamy filling.

French pastry chefs perfected the two-bite wonder and it has been sneaking onto dessert menus worldwide. Following in the steps of other stars on the Culinary Walk of Fame, they’ve made the jump from being a supporting character to being the main attraction. Check out these macaron-themed boutiques for a taste of the sweet life.

New York:

Maison Laduree- The Parisian institution credited with inventing macarons set up shop in New York last month. The offerings are mostly the same but the Upper East Side location is the only place you’ll find grape & cinnamon (raisin cannelle). Other favorites: green apple, caramel with salted butter. laduree.com, 864 Madison Avenue, New York, Ny., 646.558.3157

Ships Nationwide:

MadMac - This online destination was launched by sugar-slinging pastry chef Florian Bellanger. Order a set of 12 in flavors ranging from traditional vanilla to modern white chocolate w/sesame seeds.  madmacnyc.com

Sucré – Here is where you’ll find Big Easy inspired flavors. Think bananas foster, cafè au lait and even southern pecan - featuring Louisiana pecans and a hint of liqueur. shopsucre.com,
3025 Magazine St., New Orleans, La., 504-520-8311