YumSugar

52 Weeks of Baking: Madeleines

YumSugar — Thu, 17 May 2007 07:59:09 -0700

One of geeksugar's favorite treats is a fresh baked madeleine - for those of you that don't know, a madeleine is a French, cakelike cookie shaped like a shell. In fact, she likes them so much, her mom actually ended up buying her the special pan in order to make her own. Only there was one problem: geeksugar swears she can't cook. I think this is a total lie and so I suggested that she make a batch and then I would make a batch. I'd never made madeleines before, in fact I couldn't even remember what they were supposed to taste like, but I thought it would be a fun challenge. Besides, I wanted to see what her "non-cooking" skills could muster up. To see both of our results and check out the recipe we used, read more

First of all, geeksugar is very modest when it comes to her own cooking skills. Her madeleines ended up nice and light (if not somewhat ill-shaped). While mine were slightly more dense and madeleine shaped (although neither of us managed to get the signature "hump" on the back side). The flavor of both batches was pretty similar, in fact the only big difference was the visual. I had used a floured cooking spray, while she relied on greasing the pan with butter and flour. In the end they were both pretty decent batches of madeleines, and now that we've gotten the first batch out of the way, I think we're both looking forward to trying it again.

Madeleines
From The Joy of Baking

1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup (140 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

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 madeleines 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 madeleines 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 and rap each pan sharply against a countertop to release the madeleines. 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.

Note: If you make miniature madeleines, reduce the baking time to about 7-9 minutes.

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Yummy Link: Apple Cinnamon Madeleines

partysugar — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 06:15:51 -0800

I recently found a random madeleine pan in my cupboard. It reminded me that I promised a friend I would make her madeleines over a year ago! I was looking for a recipe when I came across this one for delicious looking apple and cinnamon madeleines. - Milk and Cookies

This Thanksgiving Make a Savory Side of Madeleine

YumSugar — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 16:15:54 -0800

One of the most overlooked items on a Thanksgiving table is the bread; often it is nothing more than store-bought rolls. Although I've made buttermilk biscuits in the past, this year I was looking for a bread item that can be made in advance. I was thrilled to find a creative alternative in this recipe for savory madeleine.
The batter is basically a cornbread, but as the madeleines cook the shell side bakes to a delightful crispness that enhances the texture of the bread. I seasoned each of the madeleines with different ingredients using sage, Gruyére cheese and kalamata olives. Other great flavor options are jalapeno, rosemary, or sun-dried tomato. The possibilities are endless - you could even season them to complement each course of the meal. To try this delectable alternative to the traditional Thanksgiving rolls or biscuits, read more.

Savory Madeleines
From Martha Stewart

Ingredients

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup cornmeal
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons salt
4 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
3 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh sage
1/2 cup finely chopped Kalamata pitted olives
1/2 cup shredded Gruyére cheese
Olive Oil or Canola Spray for greasing pans

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease madeleine pans.
Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Let cool slightly.
Whisk flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk in eggs, milk, and browned butter until smooth. Divide batter among 3 bowls.
To create 3 different flavors, fold 1 filling into each bowl of batter (sage, olives, and Gruyére cheese). Divide batter among pans, filling cups 3/4 full.
Bake until golden brown and firm, 8 to 10 minutes. Immediately unmold, and let cool completely on wire racks.

Makes 42 Madelines.

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Know Your Ingredients: Orange Flower Water

YumSugar — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:00:52 -0700

Now that Party's cleared up the mystery around one foreign spirit, Pimm's, I'm going to attempt to demystify another mixer - orange flower water.

A delicate flavoring used in desserts, drinks, and other dishes, orange flower water is a natural extract made from distilling orange blossoms from bitter orange or Seville orange trees. Sometimes known as orange blossom water, it has a delicate yet powerful, jasmine-like scent. The flavoring can be categorized into two different genres - French flower water and Middle Eastern flower water. The French version (like the venerated Provençal brand A. Monteux pictured here) is perfumed and floral, while the Middle Eastern kind is brighter with citrusy notes.

Orange blossom water can be used to enhance the flavor of cocktailsm such as the Ramos Gin Fizz and is an ingredient in true orgeat. It's also a key component in some madeleines, cakes, and cookies. Drops may be used to flavor hot water, a common practice in the Middle East, or other desserts like fruit salad and ice cream. How do you make the most of orange flower water?

Source

Peter Som Cooks Up Sweet Designs in the Kitchen

YumSugar — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:08:23 -0700

What happens when a renowned fashion designer trades the runway for a kitchen? Just ask Peter Som, who recently ditched his stylish suits in favor of chef whites.

Som, who is known for effortlessly chic womenswear, attended a Saturday morning cooking class led by Adour Alain Ducasse pastry chef Sandro Micheli. There, the Manhattan-based designer told Women's Wear Daily about his home-baking hobby and affinity for cooking. "I watch Food Network like it's [the only thing on] TV," he said, adding, "I used to bring pies to the office. I can't eat them all myself."

The class was difficult for even the most advanced of home cooks: "Wow, he's intense," Som said of his teacher.

Within two hours, the 10 students had created madeleines, financiers, chouquettes, chocolate chip cookies, pâtés de fruit à la fraise, and absinthe-flavored marshmallows. I've long been an enthusiast of Som's designs, but had no idea that he joins the likes of Kate Winslet and Mandy Moore in his culinary affinities. Are you a fan of any other celebrities who cook?

What's Yummy This Week - YumSugar Weekly Recap

YumSugar — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 09:30:23 -0800

Meet Nola's quintessential fried oyster po'boy.
Reinvent your Thanksgiving leftovers with these creative meal ideas.
Shocker! Gordon Ramsay is reportedly having an affair.
Missed out on Wednesday's Top Chef? PartySugar catches you up on the details.
Test your knowledge of sandwich classics with our quiz.
These savory madeleines will give you a whole new pastry point of view.
Shop for your favorite foodies this season with the help of our holiday gift guides.

Cut It Out

YumSugar — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 11:15:49 -0700

Because I've been all about the cookies lately, I went on a search for the cutest cookie cutter shapes I could find. While cookie cutters aren't always a requirement, there's nothing like a unique shape to add some originality to your baked creation. From sugar cookies to ice cream sandwiches to madeleines, here are my favorite cookie cutters and molds.

What's Yummy This Week - YumSugar Weekly Recap

YumSugar — Sat, 19 May 2007 07:58:32 -0700

Need to whip up some simple appetizers? Try out our super simple roasted garlic and dates stuffed with goat cheese.
Stressed about germs? Learn how you can get your kitchen sponges 99.9999% bacteria free.
For those of you that read food labels, you may be interested to hear that there is now such a thing as a healthy vending machine.
If you live near a Stop & Shop or Giant Food store, be sure to get your free ice cream today. Speaking of ice cream, Baskin Robbins was slapped with a consumer lawsuit for underpacking their pints.

This week we gave you everything you need in order to plan the perfect bachelorette party, including risque drinks and homemade or store bought invites.
Not interested in a bachelorette party? How about a simple bridal shower instead?
It's official, Gordon Ramsay is everywhere - several books, three television shows, and now a movie deal. The folks at PETA don't seem too happy about it.
Don't be afraid to take a chance, elegant madeleines look difficult, but even self-professed non-bakers can handle it.
If madeleines aren't your thing, why don't you try a coconut cream cake or a too easy to be true berry dessert?

Learn how to pick the perfect cherries, fix wilted lettuce, and what to do when you make too much sauce.
Can you taste the difference bewteen Diet 7Up and other lemonlime sodas? How about the difference between real and "fake" soy sauce?
Is Wendy's really the best fast-food restaurant? A new Zagat/Today Show survey thinks so.
And finally, we want to know:
- Do you share your food?
- What foods do you eat to keep things hot in the bedroom?
- Have you ever swallowed your gum?

Come Party With Me: Baby Shower - Music

partysugar — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 05:51:19 -0700

Babies are on my mind this week and while KatieSugar is growing up right before our eyes, Naomi Watts still has a bun in the oven... which means she totally needs a baby shower! All week I've been giving you my best ideas and tips to host a cute, yet sophisticated baby shower by planning a virtual shower for Naomi Watts. I covered every element of the party from the invitations to the luncheon menu to the drinks (non alcoholic and alcoholic) to the decor. Pink and blue have become the underlying theme of this event, so the pastel colors run throughout all aspects of the party. I always end up creating my playlists last because they can be thrown together at the last minute (especially with the help of the iTunes music store). To see my playlist suggestions, read more

My shower is a girls only event, so smooth female vocals will make up the bulk of my musical selection. BuzzSugar suggested choosing "nice, lite singer songwriters who are also fun and interesting." A few of her picks are Edith Frost, Jenny Toomey, Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins, and Madeleine Peyroux. She also considers the music of CocoRosie similar to that of nursery rhymes, so I'll be sure to download a few of their songs too. Mainstream classics like Norah Jones, Sarah McLachlan (none of the depressing songs), and Michael Buble will also work nicely.

What music do you suggest Naomi play at her baby shower? Share your songs with us below!

Martha Stewart Collection Star Cookie Cutters, Set of 4 - $1.49	Madeleine Pan - $15.95
Indulgence Cookie Cutter 100-Piece Set - $9.99	Wild West Ice-Cream Sandwich Molds, Set of 3 - $16.00
A Year of Cookie Cutters - $24.95	Copper Cookie Cutter, Teddy Bear - $10.00
Fruit Medley Cookie Cutter Set - $9.95	All-Star Cookie Cutters, Set of 8 - $24.95
Copper Cookie Cutter, Scotty Dog - $10.00	Number Cutter Set - $12.00
Copper Cookie Cutter, Butterfly - $10.00	Princess Cookie Cutters - $24.95
Hands Cookie Cutter Set - $4.95	Circus Cookie Cutters - $19.95