Monday, March 21, 2011

Madeleines


Madeleine's are very small sponge cakes with a distinctive shell-like shape acquired from being baked in pans with shell-shaped depressions. Aside from the traditional moulded pan, commonly found in stores specialising in kitchen equipment no special tools are required to make madeleines.The flavour is similar to, but somewhat lighter than, sponge cake. I have never heard about Madeleines while I was in India. When I first came to U.S I came across the shell shaped beauties. After that I got addicted to these yummilicious treat. From then, the thought of making it at home started haunting me. During one of my regular visit to the baking store with my friend I was able to get the pan. I was very much excited to get the pan and from then I am searching for a reason to bake it.

I was planning to make it this weekend but was so tied up with several other things. I had a nice get together with my fellow bloggers on saturday. It was so nice of 'A' to drop me and wait for me while I  hang out with my blogger friends. And ofcourse after reaching home he started fishing for compliments. Now let's get back to the recipe.

Recipe Source : joyofbaking.com



Ingredients :

1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter

1 cup (130 grams) all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/8 teaspoon salt

3 large eggs, at room temperature

2/3 cup (133 grams) granulated white sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Method :

First, melt the butter and allow it to cool while you make the batter. In a small bowl place the flour, baking powder and salt and whisk until well blended.

In the bowl of your electric mixer, beat the eggs and sugar at medium-high speed until the mixture has tripled in volume and forms a thick ribbon when the beaters are lifted (about 5 minutes).  Add the vanilla extract and beat to combine. Sift a small amount of flour over the egg mixture and, using a large rubber spatula, fold the flour mixture into the beaten eggs to lighten it.  Sift the rest of the flour over the egg mixture and fold in being sure not to overmix or the batter will deflate. 

Whisk a small amount of the egg mixture into the melted butter to lighten it.  Then fold in the cooled melted butter in three additions.  Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or several hours, until slightly firm. Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).  Generously butter two 12-mold Madeleine pans.  Dust the molds with flour and tap out the excess.  (Could spray pans with Bakers Joy instead.) (Make sure the pans are well greased or the Madeleine will stick and be hard to remove.)

Drop a generous tablespoonful of the batter into the center of each prepared mold, leaving the batter mounded in the center.  (This will result in the classic "humped" appearance of the madeleines.)

Bake the Madeleine for 11 to 13 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the centers spring back when lightly touched.  Do not overbake these cookies or they will be dry.

Remove the pans from the oven. Transfer the madeleines, smooth sides down, to wire racks to cool.  The madeleines are best served the same day but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days or frozen, well wrapped, for up to 1 month.

I am sending this across to Crazy for Cakes


Have a look at my Madeleine pan






15 comments:

  1. Wow! Yummy Madelines! I love them with lemon glaze but have never tried baking them. And you got that perfect "hump" on them too! Awesome Sneha!

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  2. it looks nice and lovely pan! Need to try this out :)

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  3. Looks yum ...am sure you had a gr8 time with fellow bloggers :)

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  4. The sponge cakes sounds delicious! You have a good looking pan too!

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  5. Thanks Sneha - Lovely contribution as usual :)

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  6. @ Magpie : I enjoy this as a tea time snack !!!
    @ Sarah : You should try this. Absolutely simple to make !!!
    @ Priti : Had fun with my blogger friends !!!
    @ Now Serving : I am happy to participate in youe event !!!
    @ Lubna: It was yum !!!
    @ Sellwowaccount: Thanks

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  7. These look so perfect.I too am a big fan of this and do make it often.I love these any time

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  8. wow..they look so cute and very delicious !

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  9. Looks soo cute..I love the texture of madeleines..The pan looks so pretty..hmm..i guess i shud get one pan soon:-)

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  10. @ Vidhya : Same here darling !!! I like this so much !!!
    @Sonali : It was delicious !!! This will melt in your mouth !!!
    @Ramya : Go and get a pan soon !!!

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  11. Wow.. now this is tempting. I came across this term only after I started blogging and I have been searching for the pan since then. But no hopes to find them here :(

    Your cakes look so spongy with nice crispy corners. Yummmmm :)

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  12. It's very sad that we can't get it in India !!! It is such an easy recipe and the outcome is too good !!! If I came across any shops in India which sell those, I will keep you informed !!!

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