Rosemary-Thyme Cornbread Madeleines

I'll be honest.  There was a moment (or two or three) when I wondered if any semblance of a real winter would ever surface.  70+ degree temps through Christmas bode less than favorably for this Southern girl who longed for the more characteristically cooler weather that winter dreams are made of.  (And to finally be able to sport my new coat that I snagged in eager anticipation of some serious stylin' and profilin'.) :)

And then there was this past weekend.  Winter decided to dust off any remaining cobwebs from last year and finally make its entrance--accompanied by a blizzard effect in some parts of the country, and a milder, yet welcomed, cold snap in my parts.  Fleeting snowflakes made for warm and cozy inclinations, including whipping up some chicken soup for the soul--and baking a batch of homemade, herbed cornbread madeleines.  Life was as it should be.

Starting with my trusted cornbread recipe, I gave a savory twist to these delicacies--replete with fresh rosemary and thyme--and the yield was just as scrumptious as my sweet renditions.  And just as gorgeous.  Although the temps have already begun their ascent back to milder days of yore, I'll continue to relish my soup and cornbread combo--made all the better in the beautiful little package of madeleines.  

Happy Eating!

Rosemary-Thyme Cornbread Madeleines
Ingredients:
1 stick (8 ounces) unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal
1 cup flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/2 cups milk
2 large eggs 
2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
2 teaspoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
Heavy drizzle of honey (optional)

Special Equipment: Madeleine Baking Pan

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.  Grease and flour the baking pan.  Melt the butter in a small saucepan, pour the butter into a large bowl and set aside to cool.

In a medium bowl, add the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt, and stir to combine. To the large bowl, add the milk, eggs and honey (if using). Toss in the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

Spoon the batter into a madeleine pan(s) using a tablespoon measure.  Bake for 15-20 minutes, until madeleines are light brown and the edges are browned (don't overbake!).  Remove to a cooling rack and allow to cool for 10 minutes.  (Repeat as often as necessary with remaining batter.) Serve warm and enjoy!