Beer Cups with Parmesan Cream – A Perfect Starter
This delightful appetizer, Beer Cups with Parmesan Cream, combines the richness of a creamy Parmesan sauce with the crispness of beer-infused pastry and the sweet touch of Williams pears. It’s an elegant dish that’s perfect for impressing guests at your next gathering or adding a touch of sophistication to any meal.
Ingredients
For the Beer Pastry:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Non-alcoholic Beer | 70 ml |
| All-purpose Flour (00) | 200 g |
| Butter | 100 g |
| Whole Milk | 250 ml |
| Parmesan Reggiano DOP | 100 g |
For the Parmesan Cream:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose Flour (00) | 25 g |
| Butter | 25 g |
| Whole Milk | 250 ml |
| Parmesan Reggiano DOP | To taste |
For the Pear Compote:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Williams Pears | 800 g |
| Brown Sugar | 50 g |
| Butter | 10 g |
| Lemon Juice | To taste |
| Parmesan Reggiano DOP | To garnish |
Instructions
1. Making the Beer Pastry
Begin by preparing the beer-infused shortcrust pastry. Place the all-purpose flour and butter in a food processor. Pulse until the butter is evenly mixed with the flour. Gradually add in the non-alcoholic beer, mixing until the dough comes together into a smooth and uniform ball.
Next, transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently until smooth. Roll out the dough with a rolling pin to a thickness of about ½ cm (roughly ¼ inch).
Cut 10 squares of dough, each measuring approximately 8-10 cm (3-4 inches). Gently press each square into a muffin tin, or individual silicone molds (approximately 6 cm in diameter), ensuring that the dough forms small cups. Trim off any excess dough around the edges, leaving about a 2.5 cm (1 inch) border. Use a fork to prick the bottom of each pastry cup, ensuring it doesn’t puff up during baking.
2. Baking the Pastry Cups
To prevent the pastry from puffing up during baking, line each cup with a square of parchment paper (around 5-6 cm) and add pie weights or dried beans on top. Bake the pastry cups in a preheated static oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes, or at 160°C (325°F) for 15 minutes in a fan-assisted oven. Once they’re golden and crisp, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool.
3. Preparing the Parmesan Cream
While the pastry cups cool, prepare the luscious Parmesan cream. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the flour. Stir to make a roux, cooking for a minute or two until lightly golden. Gradually add the warm milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking on low heat until the mixture thickens into a smooth, velvety sauce.
Once thickened, stir in the grated Parmesan Reggiano. The texture of the cream should be thick enough that when you dip a spoon into it, it coats the back of the spoon and slowly drips down. Set aside.
4. Making the Pear Compote
For the pear compote, peel and dice the Williams pears. Place the diced pears in a saucepan with the brown sugar and butter. Cook over medium heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pears from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Once the pears are soft, mash them lightly with a fork to release their juices. Transfer the pear mixture to a blender or food processor and purée until smooth. Add a few drops of fresh lemon juice for a subtle tang and to enhance the flavors. Set the pear compote aside.
5. Assembling the Beer Cups
To assemble your Beer Cups with Parmesan Cream, take the cooled pastry cups and begin by spooning approximately 20 grams of the Parmesan cream into the bottom of each cup, spreading it evenly.
Next, fill a pastry bag (or a plastic zip-top bag with the tip cut off) with the pear compote. Pipe a generous dollop of the pear purée on top of the Parmesan cream in each cup, making sure to create a lovely swirl or a neat pile.
6. Finishing Touches
Finally, garnish each cup with freshly shaved Parmesan Reggiano for an added touch of decadence. Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect blend of creamy, savory, and sweet in every bite.
Beer Cups with Parmesan Cream make a fantastic starter or appetizer for any special occasion. The delicate pastry, creamy Parmesan filling, and sweet pear compote combine to create a mouthwatering combination that is sure to impress guests and tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for a dinner party or a festive gathering, this dish is as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Enjoy this beautiful appetizer, and share the joy of fantastic flavor with your loved ones!
