Is it Macaron or Macaroon?

Today, May 31st, is National Macaroon Day! Now that's not to confuse National Macaron Day on March 20th.

So what is the difference between macaroons and macarons? Is there really a difference or is it just another way to spell the tasty treat?

First, let's simply define each one: a macaroon is a lightly-baked meringue-like cookie. A macaron is a sweet meringue-based confection in a sandwich-like presentation. Both the English word macaroon and French word macaron are derived from the italian maccaronem, meaning crush or beat. This is due to the key ingredient for both pastries being crushed almonds. Although they share this common ingredient, the only other ingredient they share are egg whites. The rest of the mixture is what separates the sweet from the rich, and the smooth from the crumbly.

The macaroon is most popular as coconut flavored, a lighter and crumbly snack to a person's dessert palette. The macaron is much more sweet, usually more tastier-looking by the variety or colors (food coloring) to match the many flavors (from chocolate to pistachio).

So I guess we can say that the macaroon and macaron are cousins. Needless to say, go out and buy yourself a tasty treat and happy National Macaroon Day!