Lunch: Madeleines with Lemon Curd

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Lemon, Honey

Health benefits of Madeleines with Lemon Curd

Lemons can help to prevent oxidative damage to the body, which women with PCOS are often susceptible to. Lemons are also rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and other antioxidants. They can potentially support the immune system and have other health benefits. Lemons also have a low glycemic index, so they should not cause a rapid rise in blood sugar when consumed in natural form.

Honey, often hailed as a superfood, possesses a wealth of nutritional benefits that make it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. With a glycemic index (GI) of 55 for one tablespoon, honey is considered a moderate GI food. This means it does not spike blood sugar levels as high or as quickly as high-GI foods, making it a better choice for maintaining steady energy levels and supporting overall health.

Rich in antioxidants, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, honey offers protective benefits against oxidative stress and inflammation. These antioxidants can help combat the damage caused by free radicals, which are linked to chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Furthermore, the natural sugars in honey can provide a quick energy boost, making it an excellent option for a pre-workout snack or a natural sweetener in beverages and meals.

Honey's benefits extend beyond its nutritional profile. Its antimicrobial properties make it a natural remedy for wounds and burns, promoting healing by providing a moist environment and acting as a barrier to infection. Additionally, honey has been used for centuries to soothe sore throats and coughs, thanks to its ability to coat the throat and reduce irritation.

However, it's important to consume honey in moderation. While it is a healthier alternative to refined sugar, it is still a form of sugar and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in large amounts. For individuals with diabetes or those monitoring their blood sugar levels, it's crucial to account for honey's GI and its effects on blood sugar.

Choosing raw, unprocessed honey can also maximize its health benefits. Raw honey is more likely to retain its antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that can be lost during processing. Incorporating honey into your diet can be as simple as adding it to yogurt, drizzling it over oatmeal, or blending it into smoothies. Its natural sweetness and health-promoting properties make honey a superfood worth including in a healthy, balanced diet.

Ingredients

4 1/2 ounces/130 grams sugar
3 free-range eggs
7 ounces/200 grams plain flour, plus more for flouring
1/4 ounce/10 grams baking powder
1 unwaxed lemon, finely grated zest only
3/4 ounce/20 grams honey
4 tablespoons milk
7 ounces/200 grams butter, melted and cooled, plus more for buttering
24 raspberries

Instructions

For the madeleines: Beat the sugar with the eggs until pale and frothy. Put the flour and baking powder into a separate bowl and add the lemon zest. Mix the honey and milk with the cooled butter, and then add to the eggs. In two batches, fold in the flour mixture. Cover and leave to rest in the fridge for a few hours, or overnight. For the lemon curd: Meanwhile, put the butter, sugar, salt and lemon zest and juice into a small saucepan and heat gently until the sugar and butter have melted. Remove from the heat. Whisk the egg yolks in a bowl, and then add to the pan and whisk vigorously. Return the pan to a low heat and whisk constantly as the curd starts to thicken. Do not stop whisking or the eggs will curdle (if the curd starts to boil, take off the heat). Once the curd thickens and releases a bubble or two, remove from the heat and pass the curd through a sieve into a bowl. Place cling film in direct contact with the curd and refrigerate for at least an hour, preferably overnight. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F/190 degrees C /Gas 5. Butter and flour a 12-shell madeleine tin. Put the lemon curd into a piping bag fitted with a small, pointed nozzle and place in the fridge. Put a heaped tablespoon of batter into each madeleine shell and press a raspberry deep into the batter. Bake for 5 minutes and turn the oven off for 1 minute (the madeleines will get their signature peaks), and then turn the oven on to 325F/160 degrees C/Gas 3 and bake for a further 5 minutes. Transfer the madeleines to a wire rack and leave for a few minutes until cool enough to handle. Repeat with the remaining batter and raspberries. While the second batch is baking, pop the piping nozzle into the mound in each baked madeleine and squirt in a teaspoon's worth of lemon curd. Repeat with the second batch. Dust with icing sugar and serve straightaway.