Madeleines

Madeleines, also known as French butter cakes are something almost everyone has eaten and enjoyed if they have ever stepped into a bakery or the baked goods aisle at the supermarket.

These shell-shaped beauties have just the right amount of sweetness and tanginess and come in different variations such as chocolate coated or coconut covered etc.

They are the perfect addition to your tea time or snack cravings.

Health benefits

These French butter cakes or  cookies are easy on calories  (90 per cookie) but you have to eat in moderation if you are watching your weight.

Ingredients

Large eggs: 3

Vanilla extract: 1 tsp

Sugar: 1/2 cup

a pinch of salt

all-purpose flour: 1/2 cup

lemon zest: 1 tsp

cupper butter: 1/4

granulated sugar (for dusting): 1/2 cup

madeleine molds (or any shell shape shaped mold)

How To Make Madeleines

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Grease the molds with some cooking spray or butter and dust them with a little flour and set them aside.
3. Make sure the butter is melted to room temperature.
4. In a medium sized bowl, cream the eggs, salt and vanilla extract together and beat at high speed using an electric mixer.
5. Add in the sugar and continue beating until the mixture is smooth and thick.
6. Gently add in the flour in the sugar and  egg mixture by folding in 1/3 of flour at a tie.
7. Add the lemon zest and pour the melted butter at the edges of the batter. Gently fold in the butter to the mixture and mix well.
8. Fill the molds with this batter and bake for 20 minutes until golden from the top. They should be able to spring back when you touch them with a fingertip.
9. Let it cool for 10-15 minutes and then remove from the edges of the mold using a knife.
10. Eat with tea or as is and enjoy! 

Chocolate madeleines

Just omit the lemon zest and substitute it with1  cup unsweetened cocoa powder and an additional ½ cup of sugar.

Alternately you can just coat them with melted chocolate on top.

Trivia

Madeleine cookies were invented by chef Jean Avice in the 19^th century. He worked in the kitchen of Prince Talleyrand.