Photo Credit: Macarons & More

Macarons & More is a Lindenhurst-based baked goods business that has been gracing the local community with a delicious menu that emphasizes quality macarons and decorated cookies. We spoke with owner, operator, and baker Julie Catone about what made Macarons & More a reality and what is on the horizon for this intriguing business.

In Catone’s youth, according to her, baking happened a “‘normal’” amount. 

“I would make cookies with my mom here, a box of brownies there.” After college, Catone discovered she had some real fans of her baking: her loved ones, friends, and even the father of a boy she was dating. “I remember his father telling me he would lend me the money to open a bakery right then and there.”

In the early days of her baking, Catone had come across a problem. Many of her loved ones were allergic to gluten. “I always liked a challenge, and after learning that macarons are gluten-free, I wanted to learn to make them.” Her first batch came out amazing, and Catone emphasized that she “would hate to think where [she] would be now if that batch didn’t come out right.”

Macarons & More began out of a mix of a passion for baked goods and some pressure from loved ones. “After sharing many batches with my friends and family, they really encouraged me to do something more with it,” explained Catone, who admitted to initially being hesitant before word of her baking got around.

This directly led to Macarons & More’s creation. 

“I was able to build relationships with owners that turned into friendships,” she said. 

She also mentioned that interacting with her customers and creating menus are some things she thoroughly enjoys.

Macarons & More is based out of Catone’s home in Lindenhurst, which also happens to be her hometown. “I grew up here, I live here, and I love it here,” she said. Offered by the business are, of course, delectable macarons and cookies as part of events and party catering.

When it comes to the menu, however, Macarons & More is unique. Catone is willing to change things up, experiment, and deliver new or requested flavors to her customers. If you ask for her favorite baked good, however, she replies “That’s like asking me to pick a favorite child.”

Catone did mention some menu items she was most proud of. These include the cookies that are part of her Heartbreaker Cookie Club. Various childhood favorites can be found on the menu, like chocolate chip cookies and more. Named after ex-boyfriends (hence the name), portions of the proceeds are donated to local charities.

Of course, a business called Macarons & More will be offering some great macarons. Catone does not have a singular favorite. Rather, her tastes change with the seasons. Macarons can come in a wide variety of flavors, and according to Catone, around this time of year, she is enjoying mocha macarons.

Through two years of business, the pandemic brought forth a particular struggle for Catone to keep things going. However, there were also some benefits, she explained.

“During the pandemic, it was hard because I couldn’t do any in-person events, which are my favorite… but the pandemic was also kind of nice in the fact that I did lose my job and devoted those months to my business.” While she still works full-time outside of her business, Catone mentioned that she simply loved Macarons & More too much to abandon it.

Macarons & More regularly collaborates with Lindenhurst businesses, including coffee shops and breweries. Recently, Macarons & More took part in Lindenhurst’s annual Spring Festival, Springfest.

Catone, for now, is content with how her business operates. While she mentioned regularly being asked when she would be opening a bakery, and though she admitted this was a possibility, she is happy to be offering the services she currently offers. 

“I do have some new macaron flavors I’m playing around with right now. And I have been thinking about expanding my menu to include more things, but it always comes back to macarons for me.”