Blood Orange Macaroons

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. 2
   Combine the confectioners' sugar and almonds in a food processor and pulse until powdery.
3. 3
   Sift through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, discarding any large pieces.
4. 4
   Beat the egg whites and salt in a medium bowl with a mixer on medium speed until frothy.
5. 5
   Add the cream of tartar and increase the mixer speed to medium high; gradually add the superfine sugar and continue beating until firm peaks form, about 5 minutes.
6. 6
   Add the food coloring.
7. 7
   Sift the almond mixture into the bowl and add the orange zest.
8. 8
   Gently fold with a rubber spatula until the batter slowly drips off the spatula (it will still be thick).
9. 9
   Transfer the batter to a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2-inch round tip.
10. 10
    Pipe about sixteen 1 1/2-inch circles, 1 1/2 inches apart, onto each prepared baking sheet.
11. 11
    Tap the baking sheets against the counter to release any air bubbles, then use a damp finger to smooth any peaks of batter.
12. 12
    Let stand at room temperature until shiny and dry, about 15 minutes.
13. 13
    Bake 1 pan at a time, rotating it halfway through, until the macaroons are slightly crisp and the bottoms release from the parchment, about 10 minutes.
14. 14
    Let cool completely on the baking sheets.
15. 15
    Sandwich the macaroons with a thin layer of jelly.
16. 16
    Photograph by Andrew Purcell