Grow Your Own (GYO) #34 : Lemon Verbena Madelines
Delicate Lemon Verbena flavors these traditional French Madeline to make a light and airy dessert or afternoon snack.
We have or I should say “had” an abundance of Lemon Verbena growing outside our kitchen door, which was a pure delight. I love to open the door in the morning and smell the wetness of the evening and sweetness of the verbena while having that first sip of espresso. I noticed over the weekend that someone or something has been chewing on the leaves. Ever so tenderly, they are eating just pieces of each small leaf. So, I grabbed some kitchen shears and saved what I could and then trimmed back the plant – I hope it does not die. With the small bowl of delicate leaves I made a simple syrup and thought about what I could make for Andrea‘s GYO event this month…..
Lenny is heading to Boston and it is his mother’s birthday, I know she loves these sweet little cookies, so I baked up a batch of madelines. I used David Lebovitz’s recipe, minus the lemon glaze, instead I dipped each little cookie in the simple syrup before delicately wrapping. The lemon verbena is lovely with this delicate cookie as it gives it a slightly lemony as well as a bit of a spicy bite, similar to basil, mixed with the sweetness of sugar; it reminds me of a late summer afternoon, light, sunny and very warm.
I am submitting this to Andrea‘s GYO event. It has been awhile since I have had the time to really participate in one of my favorite “food blog events”. Andrea’s has been one of my favorite events as it gives us a chance to showcase what we grown in our gardens, whether it is from an urban dwelling or a large garden out in the country. As well it brings all of us together from all over the world – it is really nice to see what people from every corner of the world are enjoying at the same time.
Mmm. The Madeleines look great! Too bad I am cookied out. Had a batch of oatmeal cookies to myself. heaven… But if I had a cup of tea ready, I think I could make some room in my stomach.
Oh, those are beautiful and I love the flavor. I don’t have a madeline pan, but some day I must make them and I would choose this recipe, too. Thanks for sharing again with Grow Your Own.
Flavours…aaah…beautiful flavours. A post after my heart! I love it. Wish I had some lemon verbana too, & could go & scissor some off too! Does the plant seed? Just sayin’…
I am so glad you posted these. My lemon verbena is out of control this year. I can’t wait to try these! So elegant and I am sure they are delicious too! Thanks!
[...] Lemon Verbena Madelines from Denise at Chez Us (California, United States) [...]
What a delicious idea. I love lemon verbena, though I’ve never had a plant make it through the winter – even inside.
This is a great use for lemon verbena! I’ve never made madeleines, but I’ve wanted to for the longest time.
Believe it or not, I have never eaten a madeline but you certainly make me want to not only eat one, but to make them. I can only add the pan to the list of items I want, right now but who knows about the future?
You did a wonderful job, delicate, light, flavorsome cookies, or so it appears.
Perfect with a cup of tea. They look delicious!