The Pastry Case duo bakes specialty baked goods

What comes to mind when you think of a sweet treat? A brownie sundae? A slice of pumpkin pie? Perhaps, a good ol’ chocolate chip cookie?

How about a macaron? Jeremiah and Madelaine Land of Williston have become experts when it comes to making macarons, a meringue-based cookie with a thin, flavorful filling. This unique cookie might be small in size, but requires a great amount of detail and baking knowledge. (NOTE: Madelaine specifically calls her baked goods macarons, not macaroons.)

Jeremiah and Madelaine are a husband-and-wife duo that wear several hats. They both serve as pastors at Press Church of Williston. Jeremiah also works as a project coordinator, while Madelaine homeschools their two children.

The Lands both came from families who love to cook. Cooking at home was normal, but baking was not always a skill the Lands possessed. It wasn’t until Valentine’s Day nearly eight years ago that Jeremiah decided to bake macarons for Madelaine, without realizing it would one day turn into a fun, family affair of macaron baking.

So, what exactly is a macaron? As Madelaine describes it, “A French macaron is a meringue-based cookie that is called a ‘shell’. It is made from a meringue, ground almonds, and whatever flavor or food coloring you want to use to achieve that specific flavored cookie.” The technique required to achieve the classic macaron look, taste, and texture is what makes this dessert unique.

“A lot of things can go wrong with [macarons], so it's been a process over the years of tweaking small things at a time to get them just right,” said Madelaine.

In many larger American cities, one might come across a bakery that sells macarons. However, not all macarons sold in the United States have the authentic French macaron texture and style. Madelaine stated, “We aren't necessarily trying to reinvent the wheel when it comes to ours. We just want to produce a beautiful and classic macaron. A French macaron is simple in nature, but its complexity comes from how it's made and baked. It is a neat, smooth cookie, with beautiful ‘feet’ (the ruffles under the top of the shell), with a thin line of filling in the middle.”

Mastering macarons has been a team effort. Jeremiah handles the more technical parts of the baking process, and Madelaine focuses on the piping, baking, and filling recipes. The Lands have been making macarons for about eight years, but only started baking consistently and selling them for just over a year.

Finding a balance between baking, working, pastoring, and homeschooling has been tricky, but they have learned to keep their baking fun. In fact, their two children help bake and think of tasty new flavors.

Are you ready to try one? Usually once a month, the Lands will make a couple batches and post the flavors on social media. Patrons can reserve their orders and arrange a time to pick them up.

“We also are always willing to take special orders if someone wants a larger amount for a party or event. We love special orders, because that is when we get to collaborate with the customer and pick out the flavors and color combos and decorations they want to fit their specific party,” shared Madelaine.

Follow “The Pastry Case” on Facebook for upcoming batches and events. For special orders and specific questions, email ThePastryCaseSC@gmail.com.