How to bake Classic French Madeleines

The days and nights have gotten chilly. Fall is in the air. I make a pot of tea three times a day to warm me. Inevitably, we need cookies like these Classic French Madeleines to go with the tea. Madeleines, those French cake-like pastries are perfect to pair with the tea I make. I have always been fascinated by Madeleines. On a family vacation a few years ago, we visited the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and were overwhelmed by the touristy cafes on the side streets. I didn’t want to pass up the chance of enjoying a meal there. So on those occasions, I made sure to try crepes and madeleines. It was like a dream I had always imagined. On another vacation, while in Montreal we were strolling by the street next to the cathedral, and found a chic, friendly French cafe. One of the pastries I enjoyed was madeleines. I kept going back for those classic seashell-shaped French butter cakes.

When my son was little, he loved madeleines a lot. I had to buy them from the price club or the grocery which carried a boxed brand. They were expensive and it was more a treat than an everyday snack for us. But I allowed the indulgence because I loved them, too.

So when I received this cookbook “Madeleines: Elegant French Tea Cakes To Bake and Share” by Barbara Feldman Morse from my friends at Quirk Books, I was thrilled. Finally, I could bake my own madeleines at home. To my surprise, after reading this cookbook, I realized madeleines were so easy to bake. Why did I not do this sooner, I asked myself.

This was my first time to bake this exquisite French pastry. I was intimidated at first. But I have owned a madeleine baking pan for a while and have had grand illusions of baking superb ones. I knew it was now or never …. it was really time for me to make use of the beautiful pan for 12 little cakes and bake.

The beautiful cookbook had pages upon pages of various madeleine recipes. I never knew there were more than one version. For a first attempt, I tried the basic recipe : Classic French Madeleines. I followed the easy, simple instructions and made sure I used good butter (Kerrygold USA is my favorite brand). Only a few basic baking ingredients were needed. Then came the mixing, blending, the pouring of the batter and voila. The madeleines came out of the oven, with a rich buttery aroma, soft, sponge-like texture, and a rich, marvelous flavor.

I was so thrilled with this first attempt. Now I’m psyched to try the next recipes in this book: Chai Tea Madeleines, Dulce de Leche, Pina Colada, Black and White Madeleines, Peanut Butter and Jelly, and a whole list more. I’ll probably end up baking every French cake treat in this book. Whether you’re a first time baker or an experienced one you’ll find baking madeleines is really easier than it sounds with the help of this cookbook. Instructions are clear and some recipes have marvelous photos to illustrate how the recipe should be. Recipes are divided into seven glorious chapters, each Madeleine recipe more magnificent than the last one. There are helpful resource chapters, too – history, baking secrets, the right ingredients and equipment – all of which will greatly benefit every baker who wants to perfect this treat.

I’m sure when my sons see this blog post they will come rushing home to visit…as they always do when they hear I just  baked something delightful for fall and the holidays.