By Heather Quinlan

You may remember Krista from her deliciously devilish Heart of Darkness Cake. Now she’s back—in video!—with something a bit more soothing—her Lavender Chamomile Madelines.

Madelines are the seashell-shaped cookies often seen in Starbucks. This version keeps the sweetness, while its spices actually add calming properties. (If you’ve ever had a cuppa with three chamomile tea bags, you’ll know what I mean.) Also calming is the fact that they’re super-easy to make: no worrying about your dough rising or ego deflating. I’ll let Krista take it from here, but you can check out the recipe after the jump. (Oh, and if you have lavender left over, try it in this recipe for Lavender Hot Chocolate, courtesy à la mode.)

Lavender Madeleines
4 eggs
1 C sugar (8 oz)
2 tsp lavender/chamomile infusion*
Pinch of salt
1 C flour (8 oz)
2 sticks of butter, melted

*infusion recipe

special equipment: madeleine pan

1. Beat the eggs, sugar, vanilla, lavender and salt until light and fluffy.
2. Fold in flour and butter in 3 additions alternating beginning and ending with the flour. Bake in buttered and floured molds at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes.

Lavender/Chamomile Infusion
1 oz (3 tbsp) vodka
2 teabags lavender/chamomile tea

Heat the vodka in the microwave for a minute in a small, microwave-safe glass. Put the tea bags in and steep for 10 minutes. Squeeze the excess liquid from the teabags and voilà!