“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
Robin Sue
15 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!
“Candy wine” aka wine from Candia (Crete). Related to Malmsey/Malvasia.