Lime & Basil Macarons...Fresh Summer Flavor!

Earlier this spring when I was searching for flavor combinations for the boxes of macarons that I was doing, I stumbled across this recipe on Yael's Yummies.  Lime and Basil....YUM!  Okay, so maybe it sounds a little different, but the freshness of these flavors combined has no doubt become a fast favorite! 
I started with macaron recipe from my previous post here.  I kept the macaron itself just lime flavored.  I added the zest from one lime, but you could certainly add more depending on your personal taste. I also add a combination of green and lime green gel coloring to get that beautiful bright green color, this of course is optional, I just really like it when the color represents the flavor you will be experiencing!

I adapted the orginal recipe slightly, the measurements below are the changes I have made.

Lime & Basil Filling:
1 stick (1/2 C butter)
1/2 C + 1/3 C powdered sugar
1 lime (zest and juice)
5 fresh basil leaves - finely chopped (give or take a few depending on flavor preference :)!)

Combine all ingredients except basil leaves in mixer until creamy, fold the chopped basil leaves into the mixture until combined.  I like to pipe my filling onto my macarons so edge is smooth and uniform...maybe a little type A personality (thanks mom:)!), but you can pipe or spread as much filling as you would like between the two cookies.  I have found that when using a reasonable amount of filling, one batch fills about two batches of the macaron recipe.  Trust me, you probably want to make two batches!!

I would love to hear your thoughts if any of you try these!  Enjoy!

Christine