Madeline

/ˈmædəlɪn/ noun

Definition

A small French cake made from butter, eggs, and flour, baked in a shell-shaped mold; became famous when described in Proust's novel.

Etymology

Named after Madeleine Paméla, a 19th-century French pastry cook, though the origin is debated. Made famous in literature by Marcel Proust, who described eating one in 'In Search of Lost Time.'

Kelly Says

A madeleine cake is probably the most famous pastry in literature—Proust's detailed description of tasting one and remembering his childhood made it a symbol of how small sensory experiences unlock huge memories. Now philosophers call that a 'Proustian moment'!

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