Instructions: Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. with rack positioned in the center of the oven. In a bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and set aside.

In a mixing bowl with an electric mixer fitted with a paddle (if available), beat butter until soft and fluffy. Gradually add sugar and beat until very light and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla. Gradually stir in the flour mixture and blend well. Turn the batter into Madeleine pans that have been spread with a generous amount of softened butter and dusted with flour. Use a spatula to scrape the batter into the pans and level off completely.

Clean the edges of the pan with a paper towel. Bake in oven for about 10 to 15 minutes or until cake has risen and is golden on top, and a tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Then slide a knife around the sides to loosen. Tip out onto rack right side up. Use a thin skewer to prick a hole in the top of each cake. Pour 1 teaspoon of the warm syrup over each madeleine and allow it to cool. Place madeleines in an air-tight container.

Yield: 3 1/2 dozen

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