Everyone who knows me well knows that I absolutely hate packet mixes and am fairly scathing of most people who use them to bake a cake. Let’s face it. It’s not that difficult to mix some flour, milk, sugar, egg and butter in a bowl to get a cake. With real ingredients that taste great. Not much different from adding a few ingredients to a packet mix and, yes, you guessed it, mixing it in a bowl. Usually with added preservatives, and often a substandard taste.
So when I was asked to trial acclaimed chef Adriano Zumbo’s new bake at home packet mixes, my instant reaction was to say no. But I was intrigued. I, too, had marveled at the macaron tower on Masterchef. Stared in awe at the V8 cake. Winced in pain with Julie when she kept scalding her fingers on the caramel for the ginormous croquembouche.
So why not I thought.
His range of four includes two macarons (passionfruit and salted caramel), chocolate brownies and the chocolate mirror cake. Now I love to bake, and consider myself to be quite competent [we don’t mention the forgotten butter incident much these days…], but as I’m not the target market for these goodies [did I mention I really don’t get the fuss about macarons?], I invited a few friends over to help. By which I mean bake. While I swanned around drinking champers and taking photos.
mmmm bubbles…. |
So a huge thanks to Fiona, Sherryl, Cathie and Brad for agreeing to take on the Zumbo challenge.
I must say, as someone who has never made macarons, but who has heard loads of horror stories, these seemed quite easy. We did have a few glitches, generally due to the cooks not reading the instructions properly before starting to bake (not naming names here…). And the other main thing I would suggest is to whip that meringue mix to within an inch of its life. Just when you think it is finished, whip it some more. And maybe a bit more. Otherwise you might end up with something that looks a bit flat. Like a pancake. Which you don’t want.
Piping out the macarons. This technique was excellent. Maybe next time turn the paper over so you don’t eat red pencil… |
A bit pancake like – needed more whipping 🙂 |
These were an almost perfect first effort – check out the little “feet” |
The other key step is to leave the meringue mix to stand for 10 minutes. The whole 10 minutes. VERY IMPORTANT. But in the end they looked great and got 2 thumbs up from everyone – if you love sweet you will love these.
The finished macarons – the darker yellow were the salted caramel, paler yellow the passionfruit. |
One of the things I liked most about these packet mixes was the helpful “Must do’s from Zumbo” tips on the back of the box. If you are a baking novice, check out the videos on his website – they are excellent. The box also has a QR code to scan for video instructions. This impressed me more than anything and is a great tip that many other companies can learn from.
We also baked the brownies. Extremely easy, and surprisingly, very tasty. My only gripe with these was that I almost fell into a sugar coma after eating a tiny piece. Very, very sweet. I should add that I am the type of baker to reduces sugar in recipes by 25-50%, something that can’t be done with a packet mix.
The finished brownie. Loved the chunks of chocolate. Next time I’ll add some pecans. mmmm |
So the overall verdict? Not something I would buy or rush to eat. Far too sweet for me, and a few too many preservatives in the pack for my preference (they make me go a bit loopy), but necessary for this type of product. BUT a GREAT idea for novice bakers who want to try the macarons in particular.
If you are keen to try these, I’ve been given a great Adriano Zumbo hamper to give away to one lucky reader (in Australia only please). The hamper includes each of the packet mixes and a copy of Adriano’s latest book Zumbarons.
To be in the running, let me know what your favourite flavour of macaron is in the comments below. Please also pop me an email so I can get in touch easily if you win.
The competition closes 5pm Brisbane time, Monday 12 November 2012.
Disclaimer: These products and the prize were provided to me by thesoup.com.au on behalf of Zumbo Baking.
Lizzy (Good things) says
Hiya Mel… great post. My favourite in the Zumbo line of macarons is passionfruit and lime. I haven’t made any macarons yet… they are on my list of things to do… and, as you know, I’m trying hard to lose some weight. Loved meeting you in Adelaide. You and I are definitely on the same page. Keep in touch ; D
Lisa says
Am curious to see how easy packet mix macaroons are to make, not sure that I would take time out to watch the video…. at least not until after I fail first time round. Thanks for sharing your photos and tips Mel. My favourite flavour would have to be the caramel!
Christine (FoodWineTravel) says
Hi Mel, I’d be keen to try these products, to see how well they work as packet mixes. Favourite flavour would have to be the Salted Caramel – hottest food trend around, for good reason (it’s a match made in heaven!)
Jess says
Ooh, I’ve tried the Donna Hay bake at home macarons, but would love to get my hands on the new Zumbo ones to try! Have to say I’m quite partial to salted caramel.
Christine @ Cooking Crusade says
Hey Mel, thanks for sharing! I love baking from scratch but I also like using packet mixes from time to time for the convenience factor. I’ve never mad macarons before but these look easy which is exciting! My fave flavour is definitely salted caramel as well, whenever I buy macs I always get the same flavour – can’t go past it teehee. Ps: lovely to meet you on the weekend! x
Fiona Bris-Vegas! says
Have to agree re: the choc brownies. Delicious but the I cut the one I took home into 6 pieces and each of those was plenty over the ensuing evenings. Had a great time and would probably not have bothered with Macarons so glad to have had he opportunity. Serendipity that we both have a set of ‘Grandmother’s Glases’ although taking a look, I only have 2.
Jo says
Hey there Mel, great read. I dont have a favourite flavour, all flavours work for me, as yes I admit it I have a very sweet tooth. Of course as you know there is a hitch, I am a totally rubbish cook, beyond novice even. Still my sister in law is a star in this space and her favourite flavour is salted caramel. I’m sure I could convince her to come provide me with bake coaching. Jo
Mel Kettle says
Thanks for all your comments – good to see salted caramel is a favourite of so many. If you’re in Brisbane check out the amazing baked goodies (including INCREDIBLE salted caramel macarons) from L’miao Bakery http://www.lmiaobakery.com.au/
Don’t forget to pop me an email (mel@melkettle.com.au) so I can contact you if you win.
Cathie says
Point of clarification: we went ‘pencil up’ on purpose, and against the packet directions, because we couldn’t see the lines against the baking tray. Next time, I’ll use a heavy felt tip so it shows through.
As for favourite flavour, they were both pretty good. But the salted caramel needed more salt, in my opinion.
I was surprised by how easy they were to make, but I’m with you Mel: the difference between making them from scratch would have been negligible. I’m going to try this approach for some Christmas treats usine a Lorraine Pascal recipe I have.
Thanks again for a fun, and very yummy, afternoon!
Victoria says
Oh, wow. This looks great. I had strawberry and lychee macarons at the local farmers’ markets the other day and I think that has become my new favourite flavour!
Jeybird8 says
would love to try! (when I finish my current 8 week weight loss challenge that is!) have only ever tried my own home made macarons, so not even sure what a real one tastes like! I’ll nominate choc caramel as my favourite flavour!
Kathryn says
Hi Mel, thanks for the post. Salted caramel gets my vote. I’m with you on the baking from scratch, but as you say, the macarons kit is a great idea to get you to try something you might not normally be brave enough to try from scratch first time. Thanks for running the comp, count me in!
Paul boomafood says
Hi Mel, I have never tried macarons before but the passionfruit flavour sounds like fun. Paul
hmscat says
Salted caramel is always a winner! I’ve tried making macaroons twice and both times I was disappointed so I’d be keen to give these a go 🙂
Amanda says
Like you, I fail to find the thrill in macarons, although I’d sell my soul for decent salted caramel anything.
I don’t use packet mixes these days and encourage others not to as well, but I think they have their place in a busy kitchen and can often be the first step towards a baking passion – that’s how I started.