Hubby and I went to Costco today and there were food samples galore. We had just eaten lunch, so I was only interested in the sweet samples. I had a little strawberry shortcake, a brownie bite and a madeleine. It was a sign I should make this week's recipe selected by Debbie of Cafe Chibita. I was torn on making this week's pick. I don't have a madeleine pan, but I was interested in making this cake like cookie. Bed, Bath and Beyond carries madeleine pans online, but apparently not at their store. They informed me that madeleine pans would fall into the "Beyond" part. When you wait until Sunday to make this revelation, you have to consider plan B. BBB did have an adorable mini bundt pan for a good price and I figured I would be more likely to use this down the road then the madeleine pan. Plan B it is!
The Costco madeleine was sweet and dense with a coarse cakey texture. My mini bundt madeleines were...nothing like the Costco madeleine. Aside from the fact mine were "well done", they reminded me a little of a donut. The outside was chewy and the inside tender.
I halved the recipe and subbed almonds that I had on hand for the hazelnuts. I also sifted my dry mixture to avoid the coarse texture I found in the Costco madeleine. Had mine not burned, they would have been a nice a little treat. I decided a nice shower of powdered sugar was needed to dress up my overly browned bundts. Luckily they are still edible. However they will not be making an appearance at the office tomorrow as originally planned. Hubby seems to like them despite their appearance so they won't go to waste. I would give these another shot and keep a more watchful eye on them. Or just set the timer appropriately next time. Details, details!
On a happy note, I'm very pleased with my mini bundt pan purchase. I see many possibilities for mini treats in my future.
Madeleines of all shapes and sizes can be found here on other Sweet Melissa Sundays bakers blogs.
Your mini bundt is adorable and a great way to make the madeleine, These had a nice flavor to them and I do want to try other kinds.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea to use a mini-Bundt pan. They look adorable. Mine were a little more brown on the edges than I would have liked. I'm thinking maybe reducing the temperature to 350 next time. Funny we both used almonds :o) Did you toast yours?
ReplyDeleteI don't think it's you, lots of us found these cooked very quickly. Still, they look great in mini bundt size.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea to use mini bundt pans! We thought these were delicious.
ReplyDeleteI thought about using my mini bundt pan but decided I wanted a smaller bite. They look great as mini bundts! I like the idea of using almonds.
ReplyDeleteGood call on the mini bundt pan! It's one of my favorites (well, except when it comes time to clean it) :) I had issues with the baking time on my madeleines too. Yours look great though and sounds like your hubby is a fan :)
ReplyDeletePowdered sugar is the answer to all of nature's slight imperfections. Now if it only worked on my hips and thighs, I would be golden.
ReplyDeletethose mini bundts are awesome and so adorable (plus: versatile! you'll find so many other uses for them!) it seems that a lot of people had browning issues (including me!) so don't feel bad. throw sugar on top and call it a day :)
ReplyDeleteAw, I'm sorry they burned a bit. But they look so cute in that mini bundt! Donutty is definitely a good way to describe these, especially in that shape!
ReplyDeleteYour madeleines look delightful. Love the presentation.
ReplyDeleteAs to why they don't taste like Costco's- the short answer is that Sweet Melissa's really aren't madeleines- they're financiers, a different type of french cookie. Costco's probably doesn't have nut flour and most likely uses whole eggs instead of egg whites.
When I tried Costco's, I was surprised that I enjoyed it. They were moist and buttery. Not a bad product. A madeleine really should be a sponge cake.
These "madeleines" nevertheless are fantastic.