Munchkin and I have been busy bees, preparing for the holidays. Yesterday we went shopping, yet again, to help Tommy with some of his last minute gifts, and let me tell you what a difference a week makes. We were at some of the same stores last week and there were almost no lines, no wait, but yesterday the lines were crazy and there were tons of people out, even close to 10 PM.We grabbed some dinner at Moe’s Southwestern Grill while out shopping. It was pretty good, but it was no Chipotle. The Chipotle gods really need to bring one to us! I had a Junior Burrito with chicken. I also got a side guac to enjoy with my chips.
In yesterday’s post, I mentioned that my weekend included Madeleine baking, and I wanted to share this amazing recipe. There are lots of different foods that people associate holidays – turkey on Thanksgiving, candy corn on Halloween and gingerbread men for Christmas. While gingerbread cookies seem to steal the spotlight around Christmas, Madeleines are a Christmas tradition in my house.
Rewind 10 years to a blustery August afternoon. My neighbors and I were holding out annual block party and my neighbor Terry, who I’d lived next door to since I was just a year old, brings out a tray of Madeleines. I try my first even Madeleine and rave to Terry about how great they are and how she must give me the recipe. Fast forward to December. My doorbell rings and it’s Terri holding a tray of Madeleine cookies and wishing me a Merry Christmas. Super excited I break into the cookies right away to find that the tray is actually a Madeleine pan, and attached with a ribbon is her recipe.
Soon after that I tried my hand at making the cookies myself, and receive some great results. Since then, Madeleines have been making a regular appearance on our Christmas table and even though Terry passed away two years ago, I can’t help but think of her any time I come across a Madeleine cookie.
Madeleine Cookies
- 4 eggs (room temperature)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups flour (sifted)
- 3 sticks unsalted butter, melted
- Madeleine pan
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a 3 quart saucepan, over low heat, work eggs and sugar with a whisk until creamy and lukewarm (not hot). Remove from heat and whisk until cool. Add vanilla. After mixture cools, add in half of the four and butter, whisk until smooth, and then add remaining halves. Continue to whisk until smooth and creamy. Using a pastry brush, lightly butter and flour the Madeleine pan. Fill pan 2/3 full and bake for 12 minutes or until edges brown. Sprinkle with confectioner’s sugar. Makes about 35 cookies.
I also have a Christmas tree cookie pan that works with the batter to make Christmas tree shaped Madeleines, although I don’t know if they are still considered Madeleines if they aren’t the traditional shape. Either way, they are mighty yummy.
What are your favorite holiday cookies or desserts?
I've never had Moe's before! Maybe I shouldn't try it though since you say Chipotle is better. Chipotle is good!
That story about your neighbor is so sweet. Those cookies look absolutely delicious! I don't think I've ever had a madeleine before. I can't even pick my favorite holiday cookie or dessert. I love them all 🙂
I think a lot of both Chipotle and Moe's has to do with whos making it because its basically assembled in front of you, and the guy at Moe's looked less than happy to be making my burrito.
Girl, you are missing out! I know Entamenn's sells Madeleine cookies, but they are super pricy and don't compare to the homemade ones.
They're so good and totally worth the price of the pan.