Vanilla Cream Puff Pastries (Sporcamuss)

Sporcamuss (Vanilla Pastry Cream Sandwiches)
Category: Desserts
Servings: 20 pieces

These delicious vanilla-filled pastries, known as Sporcamuss, are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. With crisp puff pastry and a rich, creamy custard center, they are both a visual and gastronomic delight. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply indulge in something sweet, these pastries will do the trick.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pastry Cream:
   Start by preparing the creamy custard filling for the Sporcamuss. In a saucepan, combine the egg yolks, whole egg, sugar, and the seeds scraped from the vanilla pod. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. If you’re using vanilla extract, add it in place of the pod.

2. Cook the Custard:
   Add the cornstarch and mix again until it’s fully incorporated. Gradually pour in the whole milk while continuously stirring to avoid lumps. Place the saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat, and keep stirring the mixture for about 4-5 minutes until it thickens to the consistency of pudding. The custard should be smooth and creamy.

3. Cool the Cream:
   Once the pastry cream has thickened, remove it from the heat. Transfer the mixture into a shallow dish to help it cool faster. Cover the custard directly with plastic wrap, ensuring the wrap touches the surface of the cream to prevent a skin from forming. Allow it to cool to room temperature.

4. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
   While the cream is cooling, preheat your oven to 90°C (194°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into strips approximately 6 cm wide, then cut each strip into 6×6 cm squares. You should end up with around 20 squares.

5. Shape the Pastries:
   Lay the puff pastry squares on the prepared baking tray, leaving space between each piece. Take an egg yolk and lightly beat it in a small bowl. Using a pastry brush, brush the egg yolk over the top of each square for a golden, glossy finish.

6. Bake the Pastry Squares:
   Place the tray in the oven and bake the puff pastry squares for 5 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and crisp.

7. Assemble the Sporcamuss:
   Once the puff pastry squares have baked and cooled slightly, carefully slice each square in half horizontally, like a sandwich. Spoon a generous amount of cooled pastry cream onto the bottom half of each square and then place the top half on top, pressing gently to secure.

8. Final Touch:
   Once assembled, transfer the filled Sporcamuss back onto the tray. Give them a quick 5-minute blast in the oven at 90°C (194°F) to warm through, then remove them from the oven. Finally, dust the pastries generously with icing sugar for a touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish.

Tips for Success:

• Puff Pastry: If you’re in a rush, you can use store-bought puff pastry. However, homemade pastry adds a delightful crispness and flavor that elevates this dessert.
• Vanilla Bean: For the best flavor, use a real vanilla pod. If unavailable, vanilla extract can be substituted, but the depth of flavor will be slightly less intense.
• Storage: These pastries are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep them in a cool place, but not in the fridge, to preserve the texture of the puff pastry.

Nutritional Information
(Per serving of one Sporcamuss)

Enjoy your Sporcamuss as a sweet indulgence at your next gathering or as a treat for yourself!