MADELEINES, KING STANISLAS AND COMMERCY

Not a connection you would normally make 'but' this is the origin of the Madeleine (the cake), what a place to come and visit. Apparently the humble Madeleine was initially made for 'King Stanislas Leszczynski of Poland and Duke of Lorraine et Bar' (what a title!) resident of the Stanislas Chateau in Commercy. If the Madeleine is small and plain the Chateau is not. Unfortunately whilst the chateau is mainly still in one piece the gardens, which were huge, and the estate have gone as an entity.

This is the interior of La Cloche Lorraine, yes they do sell Madeleines, plain, chocolate, lolly pop, thumb nail size, dinner plate size and many random flavours........ In fact as long as it's Madeleines, they sell it.

Good news. I've often facied a straight from the oven Madeleine, yes I know this may sound a bit anal but you always buy them packeted and therefore a bit old. Well in the birthplace of Madeleines you can buy them fresh and they are even better.

Short story. We decided to go for a coffee in the town that put Madeleines on the map and I said to Margaret 'I bet they don't sell Madeleines'. We ordered the coffee and asked if they had Madeleines. Well, surprise surprise they said no!!! Is that a good business decision or are they just fed up with Madeleines?

A Madeleine seller.

A 'Fresh Madeleine' eater.