Winter

Orange Spiced Madeleines (baked when I'm tired of Winter)

by:
January 16, 2012
0
0 Ratings
Photo by JimP
  • Makes 24 large madeleines
Author Notes

In wintertime, I often think of two things to keep my spirits up; Paris in the Spring and ocean trips yet-to-be-taken. These French-style cookies shaped like seashells are the best tangible manifestation of where I’d rather be when it’s January, and things such as breezy street awnings and hot sand are as far away as May seems to be.

This recipe was inspired by a similar version from Dorie Greenspan. I turned the orange into a star ingredient by substituting orange blossom honey for the regular kind and using orange extract instead of vanilla. I simplified some of the original steps and also doubled the recipe as best I could, because a) zesting only half an orange seemed a waste of a perfectly beautiful fruit and b) I’ve never met anyone who felt only 12 madeleines was ever quite enough.
SharonP

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Ingredients
  • 1+1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 pinch ground black pepper
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • zest of one orange
  • 4 large eggs
  • 4 tablespoons orange blossom honey
  • 2 teaspoons pure orange extract
  • 6 ounces unsalted butter (1+1/2 sticks), melted and cooled
  • powdered sugar for dusting
Directions
  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Butter two madeleine mold pans (the 12 mold ones).
  2. Using a wire whisk, combine the flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and pepper in a bowl and set aside.
  3. Using an electric mixer with the wire attachment, beat the granulated sugar, orange zest, and the eggs on medium speed until thickened, 3-4 minutes. Add the honey and orange extract and continue beating on medium speed an additional minute.
  4. Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold all of the dry ingredients into the batter. Add the melted butter and continue to fold until the batter is smooth.
  5. Spoon the batter into the molds and bake for about 11 minutes or until the madeleines are golden.
  6. Immediately transfer the madeleines to a wire rack to cool ever so slightly (they are best eaten warm – just ask Marcel Proust) and dust with powdered sugar.

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6 Reviews

healthierkitchen January 17, 2012
these look just beautiful. Saving to make for my daughter, Madeleine!
SharonP January 17, 2012
I'm sure you both will enjoy them!
Midge January 17, 2012
gorgeous!
SharonP January 16, 2012
Thanks creamtea. They really are as delicious as they look!
SharonP January 16, 2012
Thanks Creamtea. They really are as delicious as they look!
creamtea January 16, 2012
Yum! and what a beautiful photo.