Mention madeleines and most people associate them with Proust. He put these little cookies on the map when the mere sight of a madeleine was able to trigger memories of long ago. Ever since then they've become somewhat of a cult item. I never got around to reading Remembrance of Things Past but after eating madeleines I don't blame Proust for glorifying them one bit.
I made these madeleines for my friend Gracie who very graciously did me a favor this weekend. She loves these cookies so I thought it was a nice way of thanking her. I had been searching high and low for a particular Martha Stewart Crafts paper punch that I had seen in the December issue of her eponymous magazine. Apparently it was more popular than I thought and I was having no luck finding it at any of my local Michaels craft stores. Judiciously I called the store near Gracie's house and, sure enough, they had the punch in stock which I then put on 24hr hold.
After several instances of salesperson incompetence and digging around on her hands and knees scouring through inventory Gracie was able to find what I was looking for. Eureka! As good a friend as any I've ever known. Thanks again Gracie!!!
