As is often the case with history, the origination of the small french shell shaped cake the madeleine (pronounced-* mad-a - lin *) brings with it conflicting stories. Some believe that the madeleine was named for a 19th century pastry cook, Madeleine Paulmeir. Other sources claim that Madeleine Paulmeir was a cook in the 18th century for Stansislaw Leszczynski, whose son in law, Louis XV of France named them for her. Nevertheless the madeleine was immortalized by Marcel Proust in his autobiographical book A larecherche du temps perdu (Remembrance of things past).
Proust, M. (1913-27). Remembrance of Things Past. Volume 1: Swann's Way: Within a Budding Grove. The definitive French Pleiade edition translated by C.K. Scott Moncrieff and Terence Kilmartin. New York: Vintage. pp. 48-51. "And as soon as I had recognized the taste of the piece of madeleine soaked in her decoction of lime-blossom which my aunt used to give me (although I did not yet know and must long postpone the discovery of why this memory made me so happy) immediately the old grey house upon the street, where her room was, rose up like a stage set to attach itself to the little pavilion opening on to the garden which had been built out behind it for my parents (the isolated segment which until that moment had been all that I could see); and with the house the town, from morning to night and in all weathers, the Square where I used to be sent before lunch, the streets along which I used to run errands, the country roads we took when it was fine."
Don and Susie Morris founded their company Donsuemor in 1976 in Berkeley California. Susie began baking madeleines, and Don quickly recognized that there was a very successful business in their future. Both Don and Susie were dedicated and determined to make the best possible madeleines, and make them they did! Fast forward to thirty five years later, and Donsuemor is regarded as one of the very best in the business! Don passed away in 1997, but Susie continues to be inspired by Don's visions of excellence, and remains committed to the dream they shared together.
The madeleines at Donsuemor are exactly what they should be! Ever so slightly crisp on the outside, and perfect sponge-like cake in the middle. I am generally a "purist" when it come to food. Most of the time I am partial to the original basic, however Donsuemor does a fabulous variety that I am also extremely fond of as well! The" Chocolate" is made with a special blend of cocoa powders and chocolate, and the taste is smooth, elegant, and decadent. The "Lemon Zest" is baked with real lemon zest, and it's unique and refreshing taste makes it a favorite of mine. The "Dipped" is dipped in chocolate halfway down, and is almost sinfully delicious! Finally the "Dipped Chocolate" would be a chocolate lovers' dream come true! The chocolate cake is dipped in a chocolate coating, and the taste is one that will easily take your breath away! Finally each madeleine is individually wrapped to ensure freshness, and the elegant packaging will alert the lucky recipient that there is something very special just for them inside the beautiful box, and with that perhaps a memory of beautiful days gone by will visit for a few moments someday! For more detailed information, and or to purchase these exquisite madeleines, please visit www.donsuemor.com
