Zumborons!

I don’t normally buy packet cake mixes, preferring to bake from scratch. But in Woolies on Friday night I saw a range of mixes by Adriano Zumbo, the macaron king among other things. He is the Willy Wonka of the pastry world who guest stars on Masterchef, each time bringing in a creation designed to send contestants into a baking frenzy resulting in amazing creations and tastes.  One day I will get to visit his shop in Sydney but in the meantime I can at least try his packet mixes.

I bought the salted caramel macaron mix – salted caramel being one of my favourite flavours  This afternoon I made the macarons according to his instructions. The packet includes the various mixes – macaron mixture, almond meal, and the caramel mix for the filling. All I had to supply was water and butter. Also included was a template for the macaron shape and 2 piping bags. I did have some concerns when it came to piping the mixture on the trays as piping bags and I aren’t friends! I have absolutely no talent when it comes to piping neat, regular shapes but today, following instructions, I didn’t do a bad job.

In between making the shells and the filling, I went for a 16km run. I had been waiting for the weather to cool down and eventually it did – the wind had picked up and there was some light drizzle on and off. I ran down to the lake via the cycle path through Melba and Mackellar and then came back via Florey – a 16km loop.

The macarons (aka Zumborons) were hailed a success by Mr N who promptly tucked into them. I have a feeling they are not going to last very long.

Tomorrow: the plan is to swim in the morning before work. Finally I might be able to make it to the pool! In the days leading up to Christmas, I think it will  be a case of doing what I can and not stressing about what I can’t do.

“One’s limits will not be found within the confines of one’s comfort.” – Unknown