What would you do if you won a weekend in Paris? Stroll around the Champs-Élysées? Go for a boat trip down the Seine, visit the Louvre, or simply frequent the many wonderful cafés, bars and restaurants? I must say I can’t really choose – Paris is probably one of my top 5 dream destinations. If it ranks as highly in your affections, then you must enter Leisure Jobs competition to win a perfect weekend in Paris! Entering is really very simple – just make sure you read the terms and conditions. The competition is running until the end of October and the prize is a weekend for two in Paris (inclusive of flights and hotel) plus a Michelin starred meal. I may just be entering myself!
One thing’s for sure – if I somehow spirited myself to Paris I would be making a beeline for La Durée to sample their fabulous macarons and intricate pastries. But since a trip is but a daydream at the moment, I may have to settle for recreating some of their delicacies at home. Take these madeleines for example… like most French pastries they are a little finicky. But with a little care and practice you can create beautiful madeleines at home that Proust himself would be proud of. What he would have to say about my pumpkin spice twist we will never know…
There’s one or two tricks to creating the perfect madeleines. Investing in a good Madeleine Tin*
(this one is the one I used) has to be the first step. Chilling the batter overnight is important. Finally, carefully greasing the moulds is paramount, even if you have a non-stick tin. Trust me.
(this one is the one I used) has to be the first step. Chilling the batter overnight is important. Finally, carefully greasing the moulds is paramount, even if you have a non-stick tin. Trust me.
This recipe is my twist on the simple madeleine recipe from La Durée: Sucré The Recipes*. The pumpkin spice twist worked really well – these were wonderfully aromatic and just perfect with a cup of coffee. The salted caramel and pecans are entirely optional if I am honest – these little sponge cakes are just fine on their own.
. The pumpkin spice twist worked really well – these were wonderfully aromatic and just perfect with a cup of coffee. The salted caramel and pecans are entirely optional if I am honest – these little sponge cakes are just fine on their own.
Watch carefully while the madeleines are baking – they can catch quite easily, as you will see some of mine are a little dark. If you are wondering what to do with the rest of the pumpkin purée, I got you covered. How about some Pumpkin Gingerbread Rolls or this amazing Pumpkin Praline Layer Cake?
Pumpkin Spice Madeleines
Makes 12-18
2 large eggs
100g | 3.5oz plain (all purpose) flour
80g | 2.8oz golden caster sugar
80g | 2.8oz unsalted butter, melted
3 tbsp tinned pumpkin purée
1 tbsp runny honey
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp salt
pinch cloves
pinch freshly grated nutmeg
extra butter and flour to grease the tin
salted caramel sauce to serve (optional)
handful chopped pecans to serve (optional)
Method
- Make the madeleine batter one day ahead. Melt the butter in a small saucepan, cool slightly and mix with the pumpkin purée. Set aside.
- Sift the flour, baking powder, salt and spices together in a small bowl.
- Using a stand or hand mixer, whisk the eggs, sugar and honey until frothy and almost double in volume.
- Fold in the flour mixture and then use a hand whisk to gently mix in the melted butter/pumpkin until well combined.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip (clip it on both ends so the batter doesn’t run out). Chill in the fridge overnight.
- The next day, melt about 2 tbsp of unsalted butter and carefully grease your tin using a pastry brush. Lightly dust with a little flour and shake off any excess. Chill in the fridge for 15 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 200C (400F). Pipe the batter into the mould filling about 3/4 of the way up.
- Bake for 10-14 minutes (this will depend on the size of your tin) or until the madeleines are golden, puffy – they should also have a characteristic little bump.
- Cool in the tin for 5 minutes then forcefully knock the tin against your worktop – the madeleines should fall out of their own accord. If they are being stubborn, insert the tip of a knife to slightly loosen them from the tin.
- Serve warm, drizzled with a little caramel sauce and chopped pecans.
Items marked with an asterisk are affiliate links. This post has been sponsored by Leisure Jobs.
Win a perfect weekend in Paris #PerfectParis2015
Competition terms and conditions.
Gemma says
This whole post is a joy to the eyes! These madeleines are absolutely amazing, they couldn't look more beautiful! …and the pictures, oh la la! The composition is perfect and you used the cutest props. <3
xoxo
Kate | The Veg Space says
So, so pretty – these sound wonderful, love the idea of pumpkin spice with the salted caramel sauce. (And in awe of your sauce-pouring photo, I've never managed an action shot yet!!)
Angela Field says
I love these, they are perfect little madeleines. The flavour combinations are so clever too, the pumpkin spice takeover of 2015 is beginning! Pinned!
Lucy Parissi says
THANK YOU : ) xxx And thanks for tweeting it too. They are completely addictive, aren't they? It's been way too long since I have visited Paris…
Keep Calm and Fanny On says
Love Paris, Love Madeleines, Love Pumpkin, Love this post!
Julia@Vikalinka says
A weekend in Paris and a Michelin star meal sounds fabulous right now after I just pulled a packet of frozen dumplings for dinner! I love your pumpkin madeleines, Lucy! Gorgeous photos as usual. 🙂 I wish I had a couple of those beauties for dessert right now!
Lucy Parissi says
I think we two should go on a weekend (or even a day) to Paris. It's food blogger heaven!