Thanksgiving….giving thanks.
Thanksgiving is upon us and in my life there is so much to be thankful for that my mind reels. The list is long and I try to keep it in the front of my mind most days whether it is a holiday or not. It is not always easy but I try. Do you have a mental list of things you are thankful for?
For these savory “Parmesan-Polenta Madeleines with Fresh Sage and Butternut-Squash”, if you do not have a classic French madeleine pan, use a cast iron corn stick pan. I bought my pans at Amazon but recently picked up a few more at TJMaxx. You can find a previous madeleine post I did for “Chocolate Black-Peppercorn Orange Madeleines” here as well. Madeleines are traditionally sweet and originated from the Lorraine region in France. My Southern, seasonal twist uses yellow polenta, sage and butternut squash as well as parmesan cheese and will be a wonderful addition to any Thanksgiving meal. Also great with chili or soups.
Fresh sage leaves in the bottom of the pan….batter spread on top…..
…baked for 15 minutes until golden brown…..
…flipped out onto a cooling rack and while hot I shredded more Parmesan over the top.
I made this recipe earlier in the year for a project I was working on with a friend. In that recipe I did not use butternut-squash, but I had some left from a photo shoot and did not want to let it go to waste so shredded it and tossed into the batter for a more seasonal twist!
Be Thankful. Be Kind and Share.
Parmesan-Polenta Madeleines with Fresh Sage and Butternut Squash
Ingredients:
- coconut oil spray
- 1 bunch fresh sage leaves
- 2/3 cup instant polenta
- 4 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese + extra for garnish
- 1/2 tsp sea salt flakes
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup shredded butternut squash
- 1 cup buttermilk
- special equipment: 2 madeleine pans
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Spray madeleine pans with coconut spray.
- Place one or two fresh sage leaves in the bottom of each “madeleine” space. Press down into the molds using your fingers. Respray with coconut oil. The oil will secure the sage leaves to bottom of the pan.
- In a mixing bowl blend together instant polenta, flour, baking soda, Parmesan cheese, sea salt & black pepper.
- Stir in the melted butter, eggs, butternut squash & buttermilk. Blend well. Spoon batter into the pan over the sage leaves just to batter being level. Pat into mold with you fingers. If batter gets too dry then add a bit more buttermilk. This batter is thicker than your regular cornbread batter.
- Bake for about 15 minutes or until madeleines are golden brown and puffy. Remove pans from oven and cool for a few minutes. Turn pans upside down to release madeleines from pan. While they are still hot sprinkle more Parmesan on top. It will slightly melt into the surface. Serve immediately or keep in a warm oven until ready to serve. Can be reheated as well. Store any leftovers in a plastic bag for a few days.
Teresa Blackburn www.teresablackburnfoodstyling.com www.foodonfifth.com
What an original Madeleine Teresa! I have a pan I used a total of 2 times but intend to put into use making these! Never crossed my mind to go savory so you have once again enlightened me! Plus with the sage leaf and grated Parmesan these are absolutely stunning!!!! I just raided a friend’s garden and have lots of sage. Could these be frozen? Thank you for such a lovely recipe and Happy Thanksgiving!
Yes Johanne these could be frozen for sure. Good idea. Since I got my pans last year I have been a bit obsessed! Thanks so much for always having something to say that makes me think. T
Not on my diet but wish it were. Thank you Teresa.
No they are not really on anyone’s diet my friend…with the butter and cheese! Alas! Maybe I should come up with a diet Madeleine!
If this has magically had pumpkin in I think I would’ve eaten my phone 😊 So trying these!!
Well you know pumpkin would work as well and I meant to suggest that in my post! Give it a try and let me know how they taste. Thanks so much for coming by.
I love savory anything! These look really delicious, thank you for a great recipe!
I so appreciate your stopping by and hope you have a happy Thanksgiving. I am coming over to check out anotherfoodieblogger right now!
I can attest to the savory goodness of these madeleines–Teresa brought them to potluck. They were loved by all! Brilliant recipe.
Oh Mercy Nancy that is high praise coming from one who is just a brilliant cook herself! Every now and then we hit on something that is just great out of all the cooking we do. Thanks so much. Happy Thanksgiving in DC. Love to the familia. T
These look great. I bought a madeleine tray last year and haven’t used it all that much. Now I have a few more recipes to try. Thanks
Get out that pan Nicola and give this recipe a try! I just love the way madeleines look and because they are so small and the pan so shallow the results are crispy outsides and soft pillowy insides. Happy November.
What a creative madeleine recipe! These look awesome!
Thanks so much Sabrina for your nice comment.
Wow, Theresa, these are a bit insane, but you make them look and sound so good! I have been playing with my Dad’s camera (I have a point & shoot so it’s fun to be at his house with all his gadgetry) and as we were going through photos to choose for my last post, he complimented me and said he thought they looked great – and then I showed him YOUR blog so he could see an artist’s work! Thanks for being such an inspiration!
Gosh thanks to you for the incredibly wonderful praise. So much appreciated as I do appreciate your blog as well my friend. Happy Holidays.
You, too! 🙂
Savory Madeleines…brilliant! I would serve these with some soup…special enough for company!