Local Find: Moondust Macarons

Local Find: Moondust Macarons

They're as pretty as ornaments, but their flavor and texture makes them more like a gift.

For those who've never had the French macaron, a lighter, more sophisticated relative to the traditional macaroon (in fact, the only thing they have in common is the presence of almond), this dessert bite is a rare treat. An almond meringue cookie that sandwiches a creamy or sweet jam layer, they're technicolor bright, but sweet and subtle. They're a knock-out dessert on a small plate. Perfect next to a flute of champage. And the best way yet to charm a hostess.

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And now, thanks to Stephen Fitch, they're our rare treat. Moondust Macarons, made in Providence, are available for the grabbing at farmers markets and select grocers in Rhode Island. Fitch, a 2009 graduate of Bryant University, had been to Paris the year prior, and discovered the macaron. He never forgot, and after graduating, set out to learn the craft. "French macarons are an incredibly difficult recipe," Fitch says, "and as a consequence you don't see them very often in the US. To the best of my knowledge, I think I'm the only vendor in the state to make them."

Dessert afficiandos are just glad he is. Whether you're after macarons embracing pistachio or coffee ganache, raspberry jam, or vanilla or lemon buttercream, you're going to be glad as well. You can find Moondust Macarons this summer at the farmer's market at the Barrington Congregational Church, as well as Eastside Marketplace in Providence, Belmont Market in Wakefield, and on the menu at the Beach Rose Cafe in Wickford. You can also order them online from Moondust, here.