In Which I Proselytize For Pastry

These three kouing aman have enough butter and sugar to drown a horse made of butter and sugar

Occasionally, when I can resist it no longer, I talk myself into going over to Les Madeleines for the Kouing-Aman.

What's that you say? You've never had (or heard of) the Kouing-Aman at Les Madeleines?

Gather 'round, you philistines.

The Kouing-Aman is like a little fist-sized orgasm forced to wear the body of a pastry. It is too rich and buttery and sugary to be believed and has probably ten thousand layers of pastry dough. It is fabulous beyond fabulous and it is really difficult to find. They come from Normandy, but here, in Salt Lake City, you can have the best ones available in the United States, apparently.

Many (most) patisseries won't even bother attempting one, I'm told, but Les Madeleines makes hundreds every day. And they're sold out by noon or so, most days.

They're exorbitantly expensive (five dollars a piece) and they only let you buy six unless you give them three days notice in advance, but GAWD, they're delicious.

They'll ship them all over America; they are one of the great secret pleasures of SLC. Also, they will make your heart explode.

Do you want to know how many calories are in one Kouing-Aman?

Wrong. No you don't.

If you are in the neighborhood, go get one or four. If you tell them I sent you, they will say "Who?"