This year for Christmas, Quinn and I have decided not to give each other gifts, with the exception of stockings. The other night, however, we were at a bookstore and he lamented that cookbooks just don’t fit in stockings. So, he felt it only right that I get a new cookbook of my choosing. I knew right away which one I wanted. I have been flipping through The Essential Baker at every bookstore visit for months.
For those of you who have referenced any of BoB’s recipes, you may have noticed that I like to break recipes down into individual parts if there is more than one component. For instance, a crust and a topping. Carole Bloom, the author of this book, takes that to a whole other level. She breaks everything down into individual steps, with the ingredients broken down along with them. I personally think that makes a lot of sense and makes baking simpler. If you don’t have the book, flip through it the next time you’re at a bookstore. You’ll see what I mean. I wish more cookbooks were written like this one.
As with any new cookbook, deciding what to make first is always the hardest part. I marked several possibilities, but in the end I decided to try these madeleines. Much like my desire to have this book, I have been wanting to make madeleines for ages. I bought a madeleine pan earlier this year, but I just kept putting it off for who knows what reason. Now, I can finally cross that off my list.
Madeleines are traditionally cake-like in texture. These certainly hold up to tradition, having just that little bit of chewiness and sponginess to be classified as such. The chocolate flavor of these is incredible. While they could certainly be drizzled with even more chocolate, I think a little dusting of confectioners’ sugar is the perfect way to top off these delicious cookies.
More of BoB’s chocolate recipes:
8 responses so far ↓
1 Jade // Dec 17, 2007 at 10:29 pm
Beautiful photo - it looks just like snow…
2 Patricia Scarpin // Dec 18, 2007 at 12:09 pm
A friend I like very much is a madeleine addict and until now I did not know what to make her for Christmas - thank you, Jen!
3 Mansi // Dec 18, 2007 at 2:47 pm
wow, that sure looks like a nice click! I so adore madeleines, they are my absolute fav! I too made orange-flavored madeleines and dipped them in chocolate..you can see them on my blog!
4 JEP // Dec 18, 2007 at 4:50 pm
I’m adding the Essential Baker to my “need this” list! Amittingly, I have never eaten a madeleine…sound delicate
5 jennifer // Dec 18, 2007 at 8:00 pm
Jade, I thought the same thing. It’s certainly the closest I’ll come to snow this Christmas.
Patricia, I hope you & your friend like them!
Thanks, Mansi! I’ll have to check out your madeleines.
JEP, I’m very impressed by this book so far. Madeleines are a bit delicate. Their cake-like consistency makes them a little less sturdy than a regular cookie.
6 brilynn // Dec 18, 2007 at 10:45 pm
I just bought a madeleine pan today! I can’t wait to give it a try!
7 jennifer // Dec 19, 2007 at 9:10 pm
Brilynn, I can’t believe it took me so long to make these. I’m sure you’ll like your pan, too.
8 Ashley // Dec 31, 2007 at 12:36 am
Beautiful photo! I’ve been eyeing that cookbook too and now you’ve made me want it even more. I’m happy that your first madeleine making experience turned out well.
I love making madeleines.
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