The Most Dangerous Macaroons in the World

Today was Labor Day in France. But of course I worked. But it was brunch which I still love to work. We've changed the risotto from a black truffle risotto to a morel risotto - garnished with a julienne of wild garlic - a large, flat, green leaf which looks a like basil but tastes like garlic - which is like the French retro gourmet equivalent of ramps in the States. One of my consolations about having to work while Annie and Karli are in town was that I could pick up some of the Laduree muguet - or lily-of-the-valley - macaroons for my sister. May 1st is also the day when you traditionally go out to the woods and pick wild muguets - and enjoy the great outdoors with your family and friends - and then exchange these little wildflower bouquets. But if you live and work in the city you just go and buy them. You'll see people selling everything from single delicate stems to big pots of them all around Paris - from a few days before until about a week after. The funny thing about the Laduree macaroons is that lily-of-the-valleys are poisonous. So far no one there has been able to tell me whether or not they actually use some essence of the real flower in baking them. I'll take my chances. Life is not without risks. And all the more worth it for their specially printed lily-of-the-valley 6-piece boxes. Will post a pic ASAP.