Spring in the UAE is maybe a week long!

It’s the transition between what we call winter (others may call spring) and summer.

This week is when everything around you seems just right… well other than the palm trees starting to pollenate and everyone’s allergies increases!
The weather is beautiful and it’s the perfect time for weddings, outdoor events and definitely gardening!

We’re working on the (minor) landscaping of our new house right now because March is the month to plant everything. That’s putting a smile on my face. Seeing it all come together after lots of hard work.

Because everything seems happy outdoors, I wanted to make some “happy” mini madeleines. But of course, I had to spice them up a little!
Why madeleines? Well because they’re just too cute to resist… yes i said the C word!
So imagine madeleines which are mini! Isn’t that even more tempting?!

I was on one of my usual trips to Tavola (kitchen and tableware destination around the Middle East) and these mini madeleine silicone moulds just couldn’t have me leave without it! So I got one for myself and one for a lucky reader!
That’s not it… there’s also a silicone and ceramic springform loaf pan!
Both giveaways are from the brand LéKUé. I have used different items from this brand and they met my expectations! (I’m not easily pleased)

What do you have to do to win this?
Share your love by choosing one of the following, but I’d love if you’ve done all!
The contest is eligible for readers locally and internationally

1- Comment on this blog post
2- Tweet about this giveaway using the hashtag #salutmadeleine
3- Retweet my tweet about this post
4- Like the photo about this post on instagram

Don’t forget the Madeleines!
Being bite-sized, I was about to pop them all in my mouth but then I remembered that I made these to take to my grandmother’s house for our Friday gathering.

The chocolate works wonders along with the spices and the fluffiness of the madeleine itself takes you somewhere else! Yet again, perfect for Spring!
I’m going on an on about the weather and I probably won’t stop until I step outside and get slapped by the heat very soon.

I first thought I was too happy the weather is pleasant, because I’m trying to hide all the stress i’m feeling. Could that be it or could I just be emitting some positive energy to everyone around me?
I do hope it’s the second one.

Spiced Mini Madeleines

INGREDIENTS
1 Cup Flour
1 TSP Baking Powder
1 1/2 TSP Mixed Spice (Recipe Below, or you can use store bought)
7 TSP Butter
2 Eggs
2/3 Cup Sugar
1 TSP Vanilla Essence
Icing Sugar (Optional)

METHOD
Preheat the oven to 180C and butter a 24 mini madeleine mould. (You’ll work in batches)
Sift the flour, baking powder and mixed spice into a bowl. Melt the butter in a small saucepan and allow to cool.

Beat the eggs and sugar in a large bowl until pale and very thick. Add the flour mixture, butter and vanilla until combined.

Fill each shell 2/3 through and bake for around 10-12 minutes until golden. Remove from mould as soon they come out of the oven.

Dip the madeleines in halfway in the chocolate ganache and then sprinkle with icing sugar and some more mixed spice.

For the Chocolate Ganache:
1/2 Cup Heavy Cream
1/3 Cup Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips

In a saucepan, bring the heavy cream to a boil and then immediately pour over chocolate. Let stand for 5 minutes and then mix until smooth and thick.

For the Mixed Spice:
1 TBS Mixed Spice
1 TBS Ground Cinnamon
1 TBS Ground Nutmeg
2 TSP Ground Mace
1 TSP Ground Cloves
1 TSP Ground Coriander
1 TSP Ground Ginger

Mix all the spices together and store in an airtight container.

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