Madeleines

Welcome to my latest obsession

I've recently learned how to make these delicate, instantly recognisable cakes and was surprised not only by how simple they are, but by the romance of the culture and stories attached to them.

These small, shell-like cakes found fame with their mention in Marcel Proust’s novel, In Search of Lost Time, where they evoke a wave of nostalgia for the author’s childhood. The expression “Proust’s madeleine” is still used today to refer to a sensory cue that triggers a memory.

The origin of the madeleine is something of a mystery. Many stories have emerged over the years, usually involving a servant girl named Madeleine introducing them to a duke, cardinal, pilgrim or king. Whatever their origins, their popularity quickly spread throughout France and beyond, and now we all get to enjoy them. Which is pretty great.

Once you learn to make the classic madeleine, you can have some fun. Next on my list is to make orange and lavender madeleines, and if they go well I will be experimenting with rose petal and cardamom and raspberry and almond flavours. I doubt I’ll ever make it to the Bake Off tent, but if I can pull those off I’ll be very happy! Learn more 📖