UPDATE: This business has since closed. The information below is from a story that ran in December 2018.
Locally handmade Joy Macarons make a colorful party treat, gift or afternoon snack.Local baker Emily Oody has been impressing customers with cakes for years with her home-based business, Nooga Sweet Spot. Now, she is now turning her focus to macarons with her new venture, Joy Macarons.
Not to be confused with macaroons - soft, chewy cookies typically made from coconuts, egg whites and sugar - macarons are French sandwich cookies which are often brightly colored. They are made from egg whites, sugar and almond powder and typically filled with jam or ganache.
"Macarons have become really popular, and there are lots of things you can do with them," said Oody, as to why she decided to start her new business. "They are great for gifts, weddings, birthdays and other special occasions."
She currently offers 15 different flavors, the most popular being red velvet (her favorite) and cookies and cream, followed by the espresso and birthday cake flavors. All are handmade by Oody at a commercial kitchen in Cleveland, Tennessee, and can be shipped anywhere in the U.S., she said.
The Harrison resident began selling her colorful creations in mid-December out of a booth at Hamilton Place mall, and she's looking to expand to other areas after the holidays. She's also partnering with DosBros Fresh Mexican Grill, which will be selling Joy Macarons at its restaurants in Hixson, Ooltewah, downtown Chattanooga and Cleveland. Delivery orders can be placed through Oody's website or through Dinner Delivered.
"They're just a really nice little treat," Oody said of her macarons. "They're not something you can get many places that are made right. Most are mass-produced, and there's not that love and care in them."
Joy Macarons are all very fresh - the cookies at her booth have all been made within the past day or two, she said, and online orders are shipped out the next day.
Macarons have the bonus of being gluten-free, but since Joy Macarons are made in a facility where gluten is present, they're best for people with a gluten sensitivity rather than a full-blown allergy, Oody said.
Joy Macarons is located inside Hamilton Place mall, near Victoria's Secret. To place an order, visit joymacs.com or dinnerdeliveredonline.org or call 599-3382.
Email Emily Crisman at ecrisman@timesfreepress.com.