Macarons

Ingredients
For macarons
1 and 3/4cup (210 g) powdered sugar
1 cup (95 g) almond flour, finely ground
1 tsp salt, divided
3 egg whites, at room temperature
1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
1/5 tsp vanilla extract
drops pink gel food colouring
For vanilla buttercream
1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter
3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 tbsp heavy cream

Method
For macarons
In the bowl of a food processor, combine the powdered sugar, almond flour, and 1/2 tsp salt, and process on low speed, until extra fine. Sift the almond flour mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl.
In a separate large bowl, beat the egg whites and the remaining 1/2 tsp of salt with an electric hand mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar until fully incorporated. Continue to beat until stiff peaks form (you should be able to turn the bowl upside down without anything falling out).
Add the vanilla extract and beat until incorporated. Add the food colouring and beat until just combined.
Add about 1/3 of the sifted almond flour mixture at a time to the beaten egg whites and use a spatula to gently fold, until combined. After the last addition of almond flour, continue to fold slowly until the batter falls into ribbons and you can make a figure 8 while holding the spatula up.
Transfer the macaron batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip.
Place 4 dots of the batter in each corner of a rimmed baking sheet, and place a piece of parchment paper over it, using the batter to help adhere the parchment to the baking sheet.
Pipe the macarons onto the parchment paper in 1.5" circles, spacing 1" apart.
Tap the baking sheet on a flat surface 5 times to release any air bubbles.
Let the macarons sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour, until dry to the touch.
Pre-heat the oven to 150 degrees C.
Bake the macarons for 17 minutes, until the feet are well-risen and the macarons donu00b4t stick to the parchment paper.
Transfer the macarons to a wire rack to cool completely before filling.

For vanilla buttercream
In a large bowl, add the butter and beat with a mixer for 1 minute until light and fluffy. Sift in the powdered sugar and beat until fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract, and beat to combine. Add the cream, 1 tbsp at a time, and beat to combine, until desired consistency is reached.
Transfer the butter-cream to a piping bag fitted with a round tip.
Add a dollop of butter-cream to one macaron shell. Top it with another macaron shell to create a sandwich. Repeat with remaining macaron shells and butter-cream. Enjoy!