November 14, 2011

Madeleines au Chocolat

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It was an impulsive act. Buying a madeleine pan on my lunch break. I had been wanting to make madeleines for quite some time, really.

As I walked out to my car, clutching the plastic bag holding the pan, I can safely say I felt a sense of relief and disappointment. Relief that I could now pursue the elusive madeleine. Disappointment that I had purchased a pan specifically for one cookie. I didn't want to become one of those people.

But then I started to think about the electric kettle sitting in the cupboard. I had used it a grand total of once. Once. Or maybe, twice? At any rate, it's a constant source of levity and a reminder that in order to purchase something there must be good cause and purpose attached to it.

Good cause and purpose. I guess they're one in the same.

...

Later, while I was following the instructions to a tee, relief finally took hold. I will admit to a certain amount of uncertainty as far as the consistency of the batter, but once the first batch of madeleines slipped from the pan onto the towel to cool, I was able to breath once more. My stiff torso relaxed. My shoulders loosened.

I had gotten what I had paid for. A shell shaped cookie. Scalloped edges and all.

...

I can blame the cocoa, but inexperience plays a role as well. I'm no expert on madeleines. Before that day I had never ingested one. I had to rely on Roberto for assurance that it was going down the right path.

He explained to me how the cookie should be, ideally. A crispy buttery shell that yields to a cake like interior. Cocoa does things, he had said.

I am now anxious to make a traditional madeleine.

8 comments:

  1. ha ha, how does it feel to have become one of those people? You must now make at least four batches of madeleines a week/month/ year* (delete whichever makes you feel better about your purchase). I think it was a good buy, they look beautiful, and that has to be worth it.

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  2. Tracy, I think your madelines look spectacular. So yes, you have a unitasking pan. But when that pan produces these lovely treats, I don't think that's a bad thing.

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  3. I'm sure traditional will be nice, but your chocolate madeleines sure look appealing to me.

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  4. what a beautiful blog you have! the photos are stunning and I love the simplicity of it all!

    PS. also - i ADORE the way you write your posts. simple, to the point (kind of), and very unique. love it!

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  5. Kath - I'm still trying to come to terms ;)

    Wendi - You're right. Perhaps it will inspire me to become a great madeleine baker...

    Denise - Chocolate is always better, right?

    Kristy Lynn - Your comment made my day :) Thank you for taking a moment out of your day to visit my blog.

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  6. No longer a unitasker, your pan holds chocolate madelines, next traditional, then who knows? Orange? Lemon?

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  7. Tracy! I want to come over to your place with a bottle of milk and eat these and talk about the weather... :)

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  8. Michele - Lemon :)

    Mina - I'll make a fresh batch :)

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