THE AGE OLD QUESTION - MACAR“O”NS OR MACAR“OO”NS?

For those of you like myself who have recently entered the world of macarons lets get this question over and done with.

From Wikipedia:

 MACARON - “Not to be confused with Macaroon: A macaron is a sweet confectionery. Its name is derived from an Italian word "maccarone" or "maccherone"…derived from ammaccare, meaning crush or beat, used here in reference to the almond paste which is the principal ingredient. It is meringue-based: made from a mixture of egg whites, almond flour, and both granulated and confectionery sugar.The confectionery is characterized by its smooth, domed top, ruffled circumference, and flat base. Connoisseurs prize a delicate, egg shell-like crust that yields to a moist and airy interior. The French macaron differs from macaroons in that it is filled with cream or butter like a sandwich cookie, and can be found in a wider variety of flavors that range from the traditional (raspberry, chocolate) to the exotic (truffle, matcha tea).”

Zesty Lemon Macaron: Lemon zest infused macaron with lemon cream filling

MACAROON -“Not to be confused with Macaron: The word macaroon is applied to a variety of light, baked confections, described as either small cakes or meringue-like cookies depending on their consistency. The original macaroon was a "small sweet cake consisting largely of ground almonds" similar to Italian or Moroccan amaretti.The English word macaroon and French macaron come from the Italian maccarone or maccherone…derived from ammaccare, meaning crush or beat, used here in reference to the almond paste which is the principal ingredient. Most recipes call for egg whites (usually whipped to stiff peaks), with ground or powdered nuts, generally almond or coconut. Almost all call for sugar. Macaroons are commonly baked on edible rice paper placed on a baking tray.”

Macaroon Closeup

 From the People:

“Are we allowed to vent here? It's such a silly thing, but I find it so irksome to see people constantly confusing the coconut macaroon with the French-style macaron. I ask for recommendations on a yummy macaron and I get pointed to bakeries with great cookies "like a huge haystack dipped in chocolate…"

“Ooooh. You hit a nerve. I had a total argument with a well-traveled, well-educated, French-speaking US friend about this very topic. I kept talking about the wonderful macarons I had in Paris and she kept insisting that there was no such thing, only macaroons -- the coconut kind. I just couldn't get it through her head that they were two different things and that the French ones are soooo much better...”

“...people interchange the name A LOT and they are not the same thing...”

“My theory is that macaron is hard to pronounce, so people just say macaroon, and that's where we get into trouble...”

 From Me:

The Language - macarOOn is the English word for and pronunciation of the French word macarOn (thus the frequent interchange of the two words).

The Product - Overtime the words macarOn & macarOOn have evolved into two distinct branding for two very different types of baked goods (why they no longer mean the same thing).

The Devastation - when macarOns become macarOOns (see it with your own eyes).

 (On the left) French Macarons & (on the right) Coconut Macaroons

My Verdict:

Both are maca-RIGHTS.

Until I heard the comment “Macaroons are easy to bake”.....

I just couldn’t help myself but ask “Do you mean macar"OO"ns or macar"O"ns”?

Tell me Dear Readers what’s your verdict?