macaron swoon.

Some delightful macarons I've encountered on my travels

Colour me crazy but even though it's cold and dark outside (thanks daylight savings) I've got a serious craving for everyone's favourite pastel hued desserts - macarons. Crunchy on the outside and deliciously chewy on the inside these disc shaped sweets are as pretty as they are scrumptious. Obviously the best place to indulge your cravings for these Easter-ish treats is Ladurée in Paris (pictured above) - by far the prettiest bakery-boutique in a city overflowing with of patisseries. I love this bakery so much I even have a framed paper bag from there hanging on my wall...rose macroon crumb stains and all. But just because we're not lucky enough to nibble bite-sized treats as we flâneur around the city of lights doesn't mean we can't satisfy our sweet tooth a little closer to home. There are plenty of places in Toronto to pick up soft, sugary macarons in a rainbow of colourful flavours. Sweet Tooth Bakery on the Danforth and Clafouti Patisserie in Queen West are both excellent choices for those looking to spoil themselves with sweets. But if you've got some cash to spare and you're looking for high end indulgence then window shop your way over to MoRoco Chocolate in Yorkville. Their macarons are exhibited like artwork, lined up in attractive, colour co-ordinated rows and encased in a stunning handcrafted glass display (check out photos here). These treats are best ingested during a leisurely afternoon tea-break: the pastries are divine and served up on charmingly mismatched china. Try temptingly exotic flavours like salted caramel, lavender and cassis. And If you're picking up a box to go you can get creative by customizing colours and even add a hand painted monogram. Can you say mmmm?