A "Madeleine" is a small, shell-shaped sponge cake that originates from France. It is traditionally made with flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, resulting in a light and airy texture. Madeleines are often flavored with lemon or almond and are known for their distinctive shape, which is created by baking the batter in special molds. These delightful cakes are commonly enjoyed with tea or coffee and are popular in French cuisine. The Madeleine gained literary fame through Marcel Proust's novel "In Search of Lost Time," where the taste of a Madeleine evokes memories of the past.