Puff Pastry Columbines
Category: Desserts
Serves: 8
These delicate Puff Pastry Columbines are a delightful treat that combines a buttery, crisp pastry with a rich and creamy custard filling. Perfect for a special occasion or a comforting dessert to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee, they offer a delicious contrast of textures and flavors. Here’s how to prepare them from scratch:
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Puff Pastry | 460g |
| Whole Milk | 500ml |
| All-purpose Flour | 50g |
| Sugar | 150g |
| Egg Yolks | 6 |
| Vanilla Bean Pod | 1 |
| Whole Egg | 1 |
| Powdered Sugar | To taste |
| Fresh Liquid Cream | 1 tbsp |
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Cream
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Begin by making the custard cream. In a saucepan, warm up the whole milk over medium heat. Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape the seeds into the milk, adding the pod as well.
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While the milk is heating, in a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until well combined.
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Once the milk is hot (but not boiling), remove it from the heat. Gradually pour the warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking continuously to temper the eggs and avoid curdling.
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Return the mixture to the heat and continue to cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the custard thickens and coats the back of the spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat.
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Transfer the custard to a bowl, cover with a piece of plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming, and let it cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
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Once the custard is cooling, lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry. Using a sharp knife or pastry cutter, cut the pastry into 8 portions that will form the individual columbine shapes.
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Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the pastry pieces onto it, spacing them out evenly.
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In a small bowl, whisk the whole egg and a tablespoon of fresh cream or milk. Brush this egg wash over the surface of each puff pastry piece to give them a golden, glossy finish.
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Sprinkle powdered sugar generously over the top of each pastry piece.
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Bake the pastries in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown. Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool.
Step 3: Assemble the Columbines
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Once the puff pastries have cooled, carefully slice each one in half horizontally, making a top and bottom layer.
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Using a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped nozzle, pipe the prepared custard cream onto the bottom half of each pastry.
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Place the top half of the pastry on top of the cream and gently press to sandwich them together.
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Dust the assembled columbines with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Enjoy Your Puff Pastry Columbines!
These light and creamy pastries are now ready to serve! The combination of crispy puff pastry and smooth, vanilla-scented custard is sure to impress. Perfect for gatherings, afternoon teas, or as a treat to enjoy with friends and family.
