Nothing could be more festive than this creative centerpiece of freshly baked madeleines. Of course, bake some extras to enjoy while creating a true work of art in your kitchen!  A fun project while sipping un coupe de champagne, and listening to our favorite Christmas playlist. So, light a fire, warm up the oven, and spend an afternoon with special guests!  Recipe and playlist included!

• Whisk together the flour, baking powder, spices, salt.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer or large bowl, rub the sugar and zest together with your fingertips, until the sugar is moist and fragrant.
• Use a stand mixer or hand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment.
• Add the eggs to the bowl and beat until the mixture is light colored, fluffy, and thickened.
• Beat in the honey, then the vanilla
• Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the dry ingredients, followed by the melted butter.
• Refrigerate the batter with a piece of plastic wrap against the surface of the batter for at least 3 hours, but overnight is best
• In the meantime, prepare your madeleine pans. Using Softened butter, generously coat the madeleine pans.
• Sprinkle with a light dusting of flour, tap the excess away. Then refrigerate for the same amount of time as your batter.
• This step is important so that the madeleines will not stick to the pan.
• When ready to bake, center a rack in the oven, and preheat to 400 degrees F.
• Place the madeleine pans on a baking sheet and fill molds to the top, but not overflowing.
• Bake for 11 to 13 minutes until golden and the tops spring back.
• Remove from oven, tap the pan on a countertop to release the madeleines from the molds., transfer to a rack to cool.

 

To assemble the pyramid for the tree: 

For this recipe you will need a 45cm-high polystyrene (styrofoam) pyramid, toothpicks, and around 80 madeleines plus powdered sugar for the “snow” dusting.

Cut 40 toothpicks in half. Insert the first toothpick 3 cm (1 inch) above the base, then gently prick the first madeleine (with the hump facing inward) and attach it to the base. Continue using this method to attach the rest of the madeleines, working your way up from the bottom until you reach the top.

Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

If you don’t have a madeleine baking sheet, you can purchase one here. You can also find the link for a pyramid here.

Photo & Tree My French Country Home Magazine