Orange-Spice Madeleines

Directions

1. 1
   In a large bowl, with your fingers or a pastry blender, rub or cut almond paste into sugar until well blended.
2. 2
   With a mixer on medium speed, beat in egg, orange peel, and vanilla, scraping down sides of bowl as necessary.
3. 3
   Stir in milk.
4. 4
   In another bowl, mix flour with baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
5. 5
   Stir into butter mixture until well blended.
6. 6
   Spoon batter into buttered and floured 2-inch-long madeleine molds (fill each hollow about 3/4 full).
7. 7
   Bake in a 350 oven until tops of madeleines are lightly browned and spring back when gently pressed, 12 to 15 minutes.
8. 8
   Invert the pan over a rack to release madeleines.
9. 9
   Serve warm, or cool completely and store airtight.
10. 10
    If Desired: While still warm dust the tops with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar mixed with 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon.