these cakes like sunsets, funny movies, and long walks on the beach.

While somewhat a grinch, I really do have a soft spot for the holiday season when it comes to food, fuzzy sweaters and that one Salvation Army guy who dances while ringing not one, but two bells and partying like its 1899 with wassel, toddies or  spiced buttered rum to warm up the insides.  They’re the perfect beverages to go with your monocle.

The problem with spiced buttered rum is that while delicious, there is only so much buttered rum one can drink.  With these, you can eat all 36 and feel just dandy.

Spiced Buttered Rum Madeleines

Makes 3 dozen

Eggs should be room temperature. If not, soak them in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes.  It adds volume to the batter.

For the madeleines

• 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 3 eggs
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2 teas vanilla
• 3/4 cup plus 2 tbs flour
• 1 teas baking powder
• 1/4 teas salt
• 1/2 teas ground ginger
• 1/2 teas ground nutmeg
• 1 teas cinnamon

For the glaze

• 1 Tbs dark rum
• 1 Tbs apple cider (also quite tasty with oj)
• 1 teas vanilla extract
• 3/4 cups confectioners sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Melt butter over low heat.  Brush madeleine pans with melted with butter.  Set both aside.

In a large bowl, beat eggs; add sugar gradually and beat until smooth, about 4 minutes.  Mix in vanilla.

In a separate bowl, sift flour with salt and baking powder and spices.  Gradually add to egg mixture.

Fold in melted (not hot) butter with a rubber spatula until just blended.

Fill pans about 2/3s full and bake for 7 to 10 minutes until edges are golden and cakes spring back when pressed.

Remove immediately from pans and allow to cool.

Meanwhile, mix confectioners sugar, vanilla, rum and cider in a small bowl.  Glaze should be thick.  Spoon onto madeleines.   Let glaze set at least 15 minutes before serving/packaging.