melt your butter and place in a large bowl
beat eggs and sugar in stand mixer for 8 minutes
add lemon zest and vanilla
whisk flour, baking powder, & salt and charcoal if using, in a small bowl
fold flour mixture into egg mixture gently, adding 1/3 at a time and mixing
add 1/4 c of this mixture to the melted butter bowl, then gently mix in the remaining batter into the butter
refridgerate for 30 minute and pre- heat oven to 350s
coat the pan with melted butter, spoon 1 tbs of batter into each pan well, don't spread it, just drop it in
bake for 10-12 minutes, cool on rack
dip the tips in chocolate if desired or decorate at a tombstone, or sprinkle with confectioner's sugar. lay one on the table for proust, and enjoy the rest!