These irresistible little delicacies were invented in the Middle East before spreading to Italy where they took their name.
It was Catherine de Médicis who brought them to France in 1581. There are around forty different variations.
The recipe for the Amiens macaroon:
250 gr of almond powder
200 gr of sugar
1 tbsp of honey
2 egg whites
1 egg yolk
Vanilla
1 teaspoon of bitter almond extract
Combine the almond powder, sugar, honey, vanilla beans and yolk.
Add the whites and almond extract.
Leave to rest for 1 night.
Make small circles.
Bake 20 min at 170 °.