"Fetch me that Ottoman, and prithee keep your voice low, said the Emperor; and steep some lady's-fingers nice in Candy wine".
Those were the words of John Keats in his poem, 'The Cap and Bells.' I like Ladyfingers. They are delicate, pillowy, vanilla, and lightly sweet. I have had them crispy and spongy and I enjoy either one. The crispy version is wonderful to dip in hot tea and the spongy, perfect for all kinds of layered desserts. I remember my mom using ladyfingers in her desserts. They were the sponge kind. It wasn't until I moved to Europe that I had the crispy type and I was hooked. I think I ate a whole package myself the first time I purchased them. But I have never thought to make my own until now. A little search sent me to the Joy of Baking's web site for a wonderful version of this cookie. The instructions were precise and very detailed. They are a bit of work and I messed a few bowls and utensils, uttered a few "ughs", then turned out a beautiful, tender cookie. I did not get the stated 54. I produced 31. I think piping this type of thin batter takes some practice. The end result was wonderful. The ladyfingers added such a freshness to the dessert. The Joy of Baking is a wonderful site that I will have to spend more time studying.
One wonders what will become of this. Doth one?
Note- And you thought I was so smart quoting Keats. I'm a science geek, I bombed English Lit. I read that quote on Joy of Baking. I will now hang my head in shame.
Update- If you are visiting from Food Gawker, welcome! I'm Robin Sue, stay a while and look around. You can now view Part 2 of Ladyfingers and see the delicious Blueberry Charlotte that these Ladyfingers were used. If you like my blog go ahead and become a subscriber. You may also be interested in the following dessert posts:
Cookie Dough Cupcakes
Peanut Butter Bars
Grilled Saturn Peaches In Praline Sauce À La Mode
Push Pops
My Dulce de Leche Recipes
14 comments:
Robin - You are quite a woman to produce such a lovely little lady!
I have an English degree and a science degree and I still can't quote Keats...don't feel bad. LOL!
There's only one thing I use lady fingers for, and since these aren't dipped in espresso and marsala I am completely clueless ;-)
homemade lady fingers - whoa!
i'm with that girl, i never use 'em for anything other than tiramisu.
::laughing:: I'm the lit geek. I bombed at science and I still count on my fingers. Now I'm hanging MY head in shame.
Homemade lady fingers ... now that's impressive.
who is this keats? :)
i'm excited to see where you go with this--nicely done!
mmm! my mum uses lady fingers for trifle. however, they are not homemade. i'll have to let her in on these ones!
Um, is this going to be a Charlotte?
Rindy R- Thanks, I produce lovely little boys too.
Noble pig- English and science? Why!
That girl- nope these are not dipped...
michelle @TNS- these are for something else...
Kate- I am glad to know that I am not the only one who still counts with their fingers (and toes)
Grace- and what is candy wine?!
j*amy- we will forgive her for not using homemade!
ts of [eating club]- Ding ding ding ding! You quessed correctly. But which flavor, the plot thickens....
Wonderful job on those ladyfingers. That is dedication! :)
Jeanine- Thanks the photos on your blog are beautiful!
I always thought it was a special pan. now that i know it is piped I think i will be making this in about 30 minutes. Thanks for all your tips, i love you site.
Hi! This among a lot of your recipes caught my eye, but the this one inparticular becuase the Cgharlotte Helena id a cake on my final practicum in culinary school THIS wednesday, so I know this comment is a little late to your post. I just wanted give you a shortcut for the bottom layers of the cake. You dont have to pipe a million lady fingers and then fit them in the bottom like a puzzle piece. You can pipe the lady finger batter in a spiral ring shape and cook it the same way and then trim it to fit your cake ring :) hope this helped for the next time you make this. It looks soooo yummy
Anon- Now why didn't I think of that -as I slap my head! Thanks for the tip, this is the great thing about blogging, I learn so much more from the readers. I appreciate the time you took to write this out for me. Cheers! Good luck on the practicum!
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