You do not have to go to France. In NYC, the best French-style macarons can be found at least in two bakeries: 1) Bouchon bakery at the Time Warner Center (3rd floor) , sold in a packet of 4 or 5 (not sure how many mini size). You can also buy them at the artisanal bakery on 105th and Broadway called Silvermoon Bakery, sold individually, in four flavors:pistachio, chocolate, raspberry and chocolate. The large costs $2.00, the mini (1") is $1.75 each. About the almond flour, go to your nearest health food store. There are two brands:Bob's Red Meal and Shiloh, they cost around $16.00/package. I've used the two brands interchangeably and they are more than satisfactory. If I do want to make the French macarons myself, this recipe is about the most detailed I have ever seen. Just make sure your beater and the bowl of the mixer are clean, with no trace of grease or your egg white will not fluff up properly. And our almond flour here on this site is just $6.95... PJH

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