Orange Madeleines and a Holiday Relapse Recap
I seem to be having a hard time saying goodbye to the holiday season and here we are almost two weeks into January. Valentine’s decorations are up in store fronts and my neighbor tossed her Christmas tree a long time ago (like on Boxing Day); everyone seems to be moving on except moi.
I’m not a sentimentalist, it’s not like I am hanging onto decorations or playing carols over and over (dear me, I’ve had quite enough of those thank you), it’s more of that relaxed, unmotivated feeling that comes from no real schedule to speak of and too many late nights.
Quite honestly, I blame the cozy zen mornings I’ve been having with the little ones, snowed in with a real Winter Wonderland outside, reading the new books they got for Christmas and munching on the remains of the stolen and panettone. I don’t have to head back to school like some of my friends and I have no job to report to at 9AM that will shake me out of my White Christmas reverie, so what’s to prevent me from extending the holiday cheer a little longer?
One such relaxed morning was spent looking back at the photos from the past month and in doing so I realized I had a few food related shots that I could potentially share. A photo recap of sorts–or a relapse back into winter holidays, call it what you like.
So indulge me this one last jingle and then I promise I’ll eat the remaining lonely gingerbread man left in the freezer and move on with my life.
We enjoyed these madeleines fresh out of the oven on Christmas morning. The batter is a cinch to whip up the night before and all you have to do in the morning is bake them while you are brewing the coffee.
Orange Madeleines Makes 2 dozen
Adapted from Martha Stewart’s Baking Handbook
1/2 cup unsalted butter, plus more for pan
3/4 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for pans
1/2 cup ground almonds
1/2 cup plus 2 T sugar
2 Tablespoons finely grated orange zest
1 vanilla bean, halved & scraped
3 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Set aside to cool. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, ground almonds, and sugar; set aside. Add the orange zest to the cooled butter, stir to combine.
In a large bowl, combine the eggs, vanilla bean seeds and salt and mix until frothy. Whisk in reserved flour mixture to combine. With a whisk, fold in the butter mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled, at least 2 hours or overnight.
Preheat the oven to 350F. Butter two 12-mould madeleine pans, and dust with flour. With two small spoons, spoon batter into moulds, filling about halfway. Bake, rotating pans if needed, until the edges are a light brown and tops spring back gently when pressed, 12-14 minutes.
Immediately invert madeleines onto a wire rack to cool. Serve warm.
Sorry Love,
I ate that gingerbread man a long time ago.
Very nice food pics! But I like the one of your two little ones the best.
GORGEOUS pics!!! This is a marvelous post! I have not yet made madelines since living here in France and I’m about to give it a try! Felicitations encore pour tes trés jolies photos!! Leesa
Cookies for breakfast, yes please!
Hi Danny- HEY.
Hi Roving Lemon- Aw thanks, they are cute, I admit!
Hi Leesa- You can probably buy decent madeleines in France if you don’t get a chance to make them. Lucky you!
Hi Culinarywannabe- Always!
Your little guys are just too cute! I loved those footie pj’s! My little guys are big guys (12yrs old) now and it’s just not the same as when they were little. There still Mama’s boys but I know it won’t be for much longer. 🙁
Enjoy your time!
~ingrid
Just beautiful.
Love the holiday pics! I am in complete denial that the holidays are over. The tree is going down, one ornament at a time!!
oooh, i’ve got to get a madeleine pan!! can they be made in tiny muffin pans?
What a lovely recap. Yes, it’s hard to get back into real life. I’m struggling right now.
Well who could blame you, with those two precious kiddies and so much wonderful food? Those madelines look divine!
I love all of the photos! The madelines are lovely!
Those are GORGEOUS madeleines. I’ve had bad luck with madeleines so I’ll have to try this recipe.
Hi Ingrid- So far I’m loving every age, so hopefully that will continue to age 12 and beyond, although that age is hard to imagine!
Hi Amanda- Thanks!
Hi Helene- I’m glad I’m not the only one!
Hi Kickpleat- Absolutely not. You must get the pan and you will be happy you did!
Hi Lynn- January blahs?
Hi Cookie Pie- Many thanks!
Hi Maria- Thanks.
Hi Emily- Awesome, hope you try it out. They are so moist!
I’m having a hard time letting go of that relaxed, Holiday feeling too. We just had a bit of snow and it looks just like Christmas morning outside! Sigh. Beautiful looking madeleines, I haven’t made any in a while, I should try these. 🙂
These smelled so amazing, I almost hated to eat them, however they should come with a warning, because once you eat one it is hard to stop. There is almost no point in only making one batch.
Hello. Just found this article about eating healthy
and Resturants. Great tips on how to stay thin and
healthy even tho you want to eat out more.
Hope this helps anyone who eats out alot.
http://emergevictoriousoverfat.com/2009/01/how-to-lose-weight-even-while-eating-restaurant-food/
not only is your food looking and almost smelling fantastic, but you are a picture taking SUPERSTAR!
Hi Lyb- What are you waiting for?
Hi Michelle- Thanks for the warning. IKWYM.
Hi Abigail- Whoa there! I’ve got a looooong ways to go!
Your photos are absolutely gorgeous!! They make me want to hang onto the holidays, too!
It was delicious to follow you while you celebrated. Beautiful posts, gorgeous pictures, delicious food and a lot of commitment.
It was really fun to watch you from here.
Cheers,
C.