Not Just Plain Vanilla

The details of the madeleine that marcel proust waxed poetic about don’t exist, which means we’re left to reverse-engineer the recipe that inspired such an “exquisite pleasure.” Here’s what we do know: We know Proust was a dunker. We know his madeleine was dry enough to crumble in his mouth. We know its flavor paired well with floral-tasting linden tea. Based on these clues, I’m willing to bet the recipe was similar to the classic French or vanilla madeleines you’ll find here. And though these delicious (yet plain-ish) madeleines may have wowed Proust, plenty of other ingredients can enhance this iconic vanilla sponge cakelet, from cream cheese and poppy seeds to eggnog and Kahlúa.