Madeleines

One of M's favorite treats. They are incredible just out of the oven - spongy and moist on the inside and crispy with caramelized sugar on the outside.

INGREDIENTS

* 2 eggs
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup confectioners' sugar
* 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease and flour twenty-four 3-inch Madeleine molds.
2. In a medium bowl beat eggs, and vanilla with an electric mixer on high speed for 5 minutes. Gradually beat in the confectioners' sugar. Beat for 5 to 7 minutes or until thick and satiny.
3. Sift together the flour and baking powder. Sift one-fourth of the flour mixture over the egg mixture, gently fold in. Fold in the remaining flour by fourths. Then fold in the melted and cooled butter. Spoon batter into the prepared molds, filling 3/4 full.
4. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the top s spring back. Cool in molds on a rack for 1 minute. Loosen cookies with a knife. Invert cookies onto a rack and cool. Sift confectioners' sugar over the tops or melt semi-sweet chocolate chips and dip the tips in the chocolate. Store in an airtight container.