The Recipe

Ingredients

For the Macaron Shells

• 1 1/2 cups (190g) almond flour
• 1 1/2 cups (200g) confectioners' sugar
• 3 large egg whites
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsweetened shredded coconut
• Food coloring (optional)

For the Lime Buttercream

• 1 cup (200g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (400g) confectioners' sugar
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 teaspoon grated lime zest

For the Raspberry Coulis

• 1 cup (120g) fresh raspberries
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

Prepare the Macaron Shells

1. Sift together almond flour and confectioners' sugar.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg whites and coconut.
3. Add the sifted almond mixture to the egg mixture and mix until well combined.
4. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to tint the macarons.
5. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag fitted with a round tip.
6. Pipe small circles onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Tap the baking sheet gently to remove any air bubbles.
8. Allow the shells to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to form a skin.

Bake the Macaron Shells

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are firm and the edges are lightly golden.
3. Allow the shells to cool completely on the baking sheet.

Prepare the Lime Buttercream

1. Beat the softened butter in a stand mixer until light and fluffy.
2. Gradually add confectioners' sugar and beat until smooth.
3. Add lime juice and zest, and mix until well combined.

Prepare the Raspberry Coulis

1. In a blender or food processor, puree the raspberries with granulated sugar and water until smooth.
2. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds.

Assemble the Macarons

1. Pair up macaron shells of similar size.
2. Spread a small amount of lime buttercream on one half of each shell.
3. Sandwich with another shell, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Drizzle raspberry coulis over the top of each macaron.

Tips and Variations

• For an added textural element, sprinkle shredded coconut or chopped nuts over the buttercream before sandwiching the shells together.
• Experiment with different flavors by substituting lime juice with lemon or orange zest, or using a variety of extracts such as vanilla or almond.
• To enhance the visual appeal of your macarons, use a small cookie scoop to create uniform circles on the baking sheet.