Special equipment: a madeleine pan with 20 miniature (1/2-tablespoon) molds (preferably nonstick); a small pastry bag fitted with small star or leaf tip (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Brush molds with some melted butter.
Whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk together egg, buttermilk, 1 tablespoon melted butter, and corn in another bowl, then add to dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Spoon 1 teaspoon batter into each mold and bake in middle of oven until madeleines are golden around edges and spring back when pressed lightly, 5 to 6 minutes. Turn madeleines out onto a rack to cool and make more in same manner.
Put sour cream in pastry bag (if using) and pipe (or spoon) about 1/2 teaspoon onto each madeleine, then top with a rounded 1/4 teaspoon caviar.
