A Mexican sweetens Alaskan life
The pleasure produced by eating a delicious dessert favors the release of endorphins, a group of happiness-boosting hormones. Such a rich and pleasurable sensation can help improve your mood and induce feelings of pleasure. In addition, a dessert in the presentation of a cake, a macaroon, chocolates and more, is one of the protagonists in celebrations that unite families, friends, and couples.
According to history, macaroons are initially from France. They are the result of the celebration of the marriage between Catherine de Medici of Italy and Henry II of France, where his chef decided to unite ingredients from both kingdoms, resulting in a colorful cookie made with sugar and almond powder. Made from egg whites, refined sugar, almond flour, thick fillings of buttercream, chocolate, jams, and more, its preparation is not easy and requires a lot of practice. It is said that a good macaroon is distinguished by having a uniform base, a crisp and smooth surface, and a soft interior. Enjoying a macaroon with all these characteristics is a sign that it is fresh, carefully elaborated, and a dessert that is here to stay, a favorite among children and adults, and expected by the most demanding palates. All of the above is what Alan M. Zambrano, owner of Mac’s by Mavy, a business that utilizes organic and high-quality ingredients, describes. “I am fortunate to carry out my dreams with the support of each of the people who buys my macaroons and the customers who choose me to make a cake for important events in their lives,” says Alan. Originally from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Alan M. Zambrano has been fascinated with gastronomy ever since he was young. He remembers helping adults around him with culinary tasks, something he always enjoyed doing. In 2015, after getting married, he moved to Alaska. To pursue his passion for the culinary arts, Alan returned to Mexico and moved to Cancun, Quintana Roo, where he worked at the Moon Place, one of the most prestigious hotels of the Rivera Maya. He worked first as a chef in the kitchen and then as an assistant to the pastry chef. “It was there I decided that my future should be in the world of pastries,” says Alan. After acquiring experience as a pastry chef in Mexico, he decided to continue learning and, in 2019, moved to Portland, Oregon completing an associate degree in Baking and Pastry. Intending to start his own business, he wanted a broader and more successful vision in the world of confectionery. Due to the pandemic, many businesses closed. Still, Mac’s by Mavy was fortunate to stay busy and continued selling its macaroons, reaching more and more people and relieving a little the lockdown everyone experienced. Alan says that he loves to prepare cakes, macaroons, chocolates, mousses, and all kinds of desserts that people order from him, although without a doubt, his specialty is the macaroons he loves to elaborate. Decorated in a creative way and of fun colors, you can enjoy flavors such as lavender, chocolate horchata, lemon cream sprinkled with pistachio, red velvet, among others. If you would like to try any of Mac’s by Mavi’s creations or want to find out more, look for his page on Instagram @macsbymavi. |