Coconut Madeleines for Dad
Life wasn’t exactly straight forward for our family. Mum died when I was eight and my sister and I were brought up single -handedly by my Dad.
Life was tough for my Dad. He had to perform the role of two parents to two bickering daughters.
Nonetheless, we had a very good upbringing. We were taught very good values. Above all we were loved. My father was and is kind. I’m not talking about kind in a material sense. I’m talking about kindness with his words and his actions. He was and remains an excellent role model for his children and grandchildren. Growing up, he always put my sister and I first and in doing so, sacrificed a lot.
It’s funny what you remember as a child isn’t it? Certain things can trigger a memory like a piece of music, the taste of something or the scent of a favorite dish.
Here are some of my earlier memories of Dad:
- Every Sunday after Mass he would buy my sister and I a 10p sweet mixture from the newsagent. Ten sweets for 10p. This was our weekly treat. I always tried to make them last a long time but my willpower faded fast and they were gone in a matter of minutes. My favourites were the white chocolate mice and the pink shrimps.
- Being the youngest in the family he named me “Wee Jaco” a name that has stuck with me through life. Although, admittedly, as I got older and bigger “Wee” is referred to less often.
- He took me round the golf course when I was 8 years old trying to encourage me to like the game. I could only think of the “goodies” that followed :a glass of coke and a packet of KP Square crisps at the Clubhouse. Even at home, I remember trying to avoid his practice swing with his invisible golf club in the kitchen.
- After every evening meal my Dad would make a “piece in jam” for himself. After every dinner. Without exception.
- When the kettle was on he would sing (or, attempt to sing) “Would you like a cup of Deeeeee” (pronounced in a really low voice) to which my sister and I would respond “Teeeeeeaaa” (in a really high pitched voice)
- The Eagles, Eric Clapton, Abba and Simon & Garfunkel featured heavily on my Dad’s playlist. He would put them on in the lounge and when he wasn’t watching I would see him strutting his stuff, doing the Daddy Groove. Oh yeah, a funky operator indeed!
- Being a teacher, he was quite strict especially when it came to education. He would shake his head in disbelief about my inability to make “X the subject”. Who would have guessed that I would be an accountant later on in life!
- As I grew up and I introduced him to my boyfriend (now my husband) I would call him “My wee Daddy” thinking of it as a term of endearment to which he replied (Cue strong Glaswegian accent)”Do ya think I belong in the circus or somethin’ ?”. Ah, he does make me chuckle!
My Wee Daddy on Conic Hill with Loch Lomond in the background
This Father’s Day I wanted to bake him something to thank him for all his love, kindness and affection over the years. In confirming his favorite cake, he said “Sponge but without the cream”. Well Pop, I know that my baking skills aren’t really up to scratch but think I can do a wee bit better than just boring old sponge. How about some Coconut Madeleines? You know like sponge but different…..yeah?
Baking has never been my strong point and I don’t own a huge variation of baking gadgets. I’ve been wanting to make Madelienes for a while but could not get hold of the proper tray. The last time I was in Paris, I bought a Moule 8 Madeleine Proflex by Tefal (easier to transport than the metal equivalent). It is easier to remove the Madeleines when they have been baked but I do feel that you need to turn them over to bake for a few minutes more to achieve an all-round golden color.
Ingredients for Coconut Madeleines
The observant among you will notice I have two flavor extracts as I was debating whether to use Coconut or Vanilla. In the end I opted for Coconut. The recipe was inspired by Tefal and Nigella Lawson.
Print Coconut Madeleines
Prep Time: 1 hour, 25 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Serving Size: Makes 12 Madeleines
My first attempt at Madeleines and I made a few mistakes - largely because I had my silly hat on! It ranged from forgetting to buy the right ingredients, to not adding the butter, to then using the grill instead of oven. I am pleased to say on my third attempt, I had better results!
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 100g of plain flour
- 100g of caster sugar
- 1 tbsp of baking powder
- 75g of melted unsalted butter,
- The zest of one lemon
- 50g of dessicated coconut
- 1 tsp of coconut extract
- Icing sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- After you have melted the butter, leave to one side to cool down.
- Sieve the baking powder and plain flour in a bowl to achieve a smooth and lump free consistency.
- In a separate bowl whisk together the eggs and the caster sugar.
- When you feel the melted butter is cold enough, add it to the eggs and sugar and mix well.
- Slowly add the flour and baking powder with the coconut extract.
- Finally add the dessicated coconut and lemon zest and combine well.
- Cover the mixture and set aside for one hour.
- Pre-heat the oven to 220°C. (I am using the silicon tray for baking so please consult other instructions if you are using the metal trays).
- Fill the silicon tray about 2/3 and bake in oven for 4 minutes at 220°C, and then for a further 7 minutes at 170°C.
- Remove from oven and turn the Madeleines over and bake for a further 5 minutes or until a golden brown color.
- Remove from oven and leave on a well aerated cooling tray.
- Dust with icing sugar and serve with coffee for breakfast or afternoon tea.
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Dad, here is wishing you a Fabulous Father’s Day. Thanks for all the happy memories xxx.
Do you have any memories of food as a child? What was your favorite snack ? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below!
