Thursday 26 June 2014

Browned butter, Yuzu and blueberry madeleines


Yuzu is a citrus fruit originating in East Asia. It is commonly used in Japan and has a tart citrus flavour similar to a grapefruit. I've tried yuzu sorbet previously in Japanese restaurants and really liked it. I've never tried cooking or baking with it so when Yutaka asked if I wanted to review their Yuzu citrus seasoning I thought why not?

I looked online for recipe inspirations and there were lots to choose from. It's commonly used to make sorbets, creme brulee and cakes and also as a salad dressing or in savoury dishes. I shortlisted a few recipes and then decided to create my own. The inspiration came from my favourite combination of lemon and blueberry. I spotted my madeleine tin under the table which has been neglected for a while hence these yuzu and blueberry madeleines. I remember attending a French glace cherries masterclass where we used browned butter to make financiers which I thought would work well with these so I gave it a go. The results were surprisingly good. The browned butter added lovely flecks of browned butter to the madeleines and gave a nice, slightly nutty flavour. The yuzu complemented the blueberries well and the madeleines tasted light and refreshing.

It's almost impossible to get fresh yuzu fruit in the UK so this yuzu seasoning is a great alternative. It has a lovely aroma to it and is beautifully presented in a little bottle. It comes with a little recipe booklet and there are a few other recipes on their website. 

 



 browned butter 


 you can see the flecks from the browned butter 

 add 4 bluberries per madeleine 

 dust with icing sugar before serving 


 

An original recipe by bakingaddict

Makes 20

2 eggs
100g plain flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
100g caster sugar
100g butter
2 tablespoons yuzu seasoning
80 blueberries


  • Preheat the oven to 160C.
  • Place the butter in a saucepan and heat gently until brown.
  • Leave to cool slightly.
  • In a bowl, mix the eggs, flour, baking powder and caster sugar until smooth.
  • Stir in the yuzu seasoning (you can add more to taste).
  • Finally add in the browned butter.
  • Fill a madeleine tray about 2/3 full with the batter.
  • Place 4 blueberries in each madeleine.
  • Bake for about 8-10 minutes until it's golden brown. 
  • Allow to cool in the tin for a few minutes before placing on a wire rack to cool completely. 
  • Dust with icing sugar before serving. 


Disclaimer: I was sent a bottle of yuzu citrus seasoning for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own. This is not a paid post. 



16 comments:

  1. Can't properly tell from your photos but they look a little flat and flabby. 160C for madeleines seems awfully low. Minimum 180C really, but preferably even higher because the heat encourages the "hump" to form.. I do mine at 230C for maximum thermal shock but 200C might be a good place for you to start next time.

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    1. Thanks for the helpful hints, will try it next time. Mine didn't have the characteristic hump.

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  2. Citrus and blueberry is a lovely combination! I have never heard of Yuzu, but using the seasoning in baking is a great idea. They look good to me!

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    1. Thanks! The flavours worked well together and everyone enjoyed them :)

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  3. These look so inviting for a nice cup of coffee. Blessings, Catherine

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  4. I love madeleines and these look delicious!

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  5. I love the flavour of yuzu - I imagine it would be very good with blueberries.

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  6. Love the idea of using browned butter in madeleines Ros, I must give it a go. I've only come across Yuzu once in a chocolate I tried, but I'm hearing a lot about it recently.

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    1. It's a really nice flavour. I'll have to experiment a bit more with it.

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  7. I love a madeleine - haven't ever tried yuzu but it sounds exotic!

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    1. It's quite citrusy and works well in cakes and bakes.

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  8. I love madeleines, they remind me of birthday parties, not sure why as I've never had one at a birthday party! Adding blueberries is a really good idea!

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    1. They would be good for birthday parties! I love blueberries and it really complements the flavours well here.

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  9. Madeleines always remind me of my grandmother (her name and her speciality) I bet they are amazing with bluberries, thanks for sharing!

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    1. blueberries are lovely in madeleines. I'm glad these bring back fond memories for you :)

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