Ahh, Madeleines! These dainty cakes are always a lovely accompaniment to tea, coffee or cocoa or if you are literarily inclined will enjoy these dipped in tea ala Marcel Proust. I have collected quite a few Madeleine recipes but this recipe from Allrecipes seems to be my favorite.


FRENCH BUTTER CAKES RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 3/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1/4 cup butter

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Butter and flour 12 madeleine molds.
2. Melt butter and let cool to room temperature.
3. In a small mixing bowl, beat eggs, vanilla and salt at high speed until light and well mixed.
4. While beating constantly, gradually add sugar and continue beating until mixture is thick and pale and ribbons form in bowl when beaters are lifted, 5 to 10 minutes.
5. Sift flour into egg mixture 1/3 at a time, gently folding after each addition.
6. Add lemon zest and pour melted butter around edge of batter. Quickly but gently fold butter into batter. Spoon batter into molds; it will mound slightly above tops.
7. Bake for 15 minutes. The madeleines are done when the  tops spring back when gently pressed. 
8. Loosen madeleines from pan and invert onto rack. Sprinkle cakes with granulated (or confectioner's) sugar if desired.