Bastille Day (Fête Nationale Française) celebrates the liberation of commoners from the oppressive rule of the French aristocracy on July 14, the day the populace stormed the Bastille and launched the start of the French Revolution. After a bloodbath, a republic was established based on the ideals of ‘liberty, equality, fraternity’. Celebrations throughout France include “the oldest and largest military parade in Europe” on the Champs-Élysées in Paris under the watchful eyes of the French President along with other French officials and foreign guests.
In New Orleans, an annual celebration takes place at Alliance Francaise with live music, food, libations, art vendors, a silent auction and other festivities. Many others around town mark the occasion as well. Visit af-neworleans.org/bastilleday2024 for tickets and more information.
A Treat to Enjoy on Bastille Day | Makes 12 large or 5 dozen mini madeleines
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
2 large eggs
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon or orange zest
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, melted and kept warm
Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Whisk baking powder, salt, and flour in a small bowl. Set aside.
Whisk the eggs, sugars, honey, and lemon zest in a medium bowl until smooth. Whisk in the dry ingredients until just incorporated, then whisk in melted butter until smooth. Transfer the batter to a pastry bag or resealable plastic bag and chill for at least 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Lightly coat madeleine pans with nonstick vegetable oil spray and dust with flour, tapping out excess. Snip the end of a pastry bag (or one corner of a re-sealable plastic bag) and pipe the batter into each mold, filling two-thirds full (you may have a little batter left over).
Bake the madeleines until the edges are golden brown and the centers are puffed and lightly spring back when gently pressed, about 5 minutes for mini and 8−10 minutes for regular cakes.
Tap the pan against the counter to release the madeleines. Dust with powdered sugar and
serve warm.
What to Drink with Madeleines
Molly Wismeier, sommelier and co-owner of MaMou, recommends a bottle of 2020 Domaine de Durban, Muscat de Beaumes de Venise 2020 – Muscat à Petits Grains Blanc. “This is a fun, citrusy, and super juicy wine chock full of apricots and tangerine which balance with the lovely vanilla and lemon delicate flavors expressed in the Madeleines. This wine hails from the Rhone Valley in France and dates to 600 BC but was made famous in the 13th century by the Pope of Avignon. This is a wonderful way to drink a sip of history!”
The Expert
Tom Branighan, executive chef and co-owner of the oh-so-French MaMou, has shared his recipe for airy, lemon-kissed MaMou Madeleines, no Proust needed.
