Do you want to improve your pastry skills and out-bake a pastry chef? Click here for a list of pastries that you should learn how to bake!
Pastries are a tantalizing treat for our mouths, even if they might not be the best choice for our waistlines.
They’re packed full of flaky, buttery goodness and usually come stuffed with custards, jams, chocolates, cheese, or other sinfully good fillings.
Trying your hand at pastries is a great way to save a few bucks at the bakery, impress your friends and family, and indulge your tastebuds!
We’ve put together a few recipes that will make you a match for Gordon Ramsey himself! Let’s check out a few next-level pastries that will be sure to wow the crowd and make them think you’re a trained pastry chef.
1. Napoleons
Have you ever heard of a Napoleon? No, we’re not talking about the French dictator. And we’re not talking about Napoleon Dynamite either!
Napoleons are delicate French pastries that are made of layers of delicate, flaky pastry and scrumptious vanilla custard.
The pastry is then topped with a thin frosting or dusted in powdered sugar to top it off.
Typically the pastries have three layers of pastry and two layers of custard, but if you get lucky, you might score a slightly larger one. Yum!
2. Baklava
If the land of milk and honey really exists, then it’s probably overflowing with baklava. Why? This flaky pastry is drenched in a delicate honey sauce that melts in your mouth.
Baklava, like a Napoleon, is made of layers of flaky pastry.
However, baklava doesn’t use custard. Instead, it consists of layers of spiced nuts.
Baklava also contains more layers than a Napoleon, incorporating four layers of pastry and three layers of nuts.
The layers are much thinner, however, and the baklava is cut into smaller squares, probably so you can eat more of them!
3. Éclair
Chocolate éclairs can be found in the frozen puff-pastry section at most supermarkets, but a real éclair can be much harder to come by.
These delectable pastries are made using a special pastry called choux pastry which gives a bready texture but light, sweet feel.
To make an éclair, choux pastry is placed in small round balls on a baking sheet. These puff up in the oven to form the light, sweet casing of the éclair.
From there, the puffs are pumped full of sweet vanilla custard or cream using a syringe and then topped off with chocolate frosting.
Try giving Le Cordon Bleu a run for their money, and wow your guests with a mouthwatering plate of éclairs!
4. Beignets
If you love baking, beignets are a simple yet delicious and classy treat to whip up for your friends and family.
These pastries originated in France, but today New Orleans is famous for its delectable beignets.
Beignets are made out of a puff pastry that is deep-fried. After frying, they’re dusted in powdered sugar.
The puff-pastry is usually the same Choux pastry that is used for éclairs. However, you can also use a simple yeast-based pastry if you prefer!
5. Pastel de Nata
Pastel de Nata is a traditional Portuguese dish. It’s a pastry that combines a yummy egg-custard filling with flaky layers of pastry.
To make a pastel de nata, you’ll start by using flaky pastry to make a bowl-shaped crust.
Inside the pastry bowl, you’ll put an egg custard. Food critics believe that pastel de nata should never have flavors of vanilla or lemon but should strictly taste of a subtly sweet egg.
Then, the pastry is topped off with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Enjoy it with a cappuccino or black coffee and voilá! You’ve got a delicious pastry.
6. Palmiers
Palmiers are sometimes called Elephant’s Ears because of their round, flat shape. However, the traditional name is Palmier.
Palmiers are a lightly sweet French pastry. They’re made up of layers of puff pastry and cinnamon.
To make them, you’ll roll the puff pastry in on itself so that it forms a round shape that looks like an ear. They’re sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar to enhance the flavor!
Because they have such a subtle flavor, they pair perfectly with a cup of sweet tea. Pinkies out, ladies and gentlemen!
7. Croissants
No list of pastries would be complete without croissants on the list.
Croissants are a classic pastry that can be found everywhere, from your local corner Starbucks to the streets of Paris.
These pastries embody decadence itself and are made out of a yeast-based dough that’s layered with butter.
Each layer of pastry is coated in butter before a new layer of pastry is added. Then, the layers are rolled to form the classic croissant shape and baked until they’re golden brown.
Grab your latte, close your eyes, and imagine yourself munching your croissant by the Seine!
8. Sausage Rolls
Okay, okay. So we’ve talked ourselves blue in the face about delicious dessert pastries, but what about adding something savory into the mix?
Sausage rolls take us across the pond to England, where they were originally invented.
These pastries are made out of delicate puffed pastry that’s stuffed with minced meat.
Typically the meat is pork but is mixed with yummy spices and ingredients to give it an extra special flavor.
9. Mince Meat Pies
Another savory specialty that originated in England is the mincemeat pies. These pies can come in both savory and sweet versions, so you can pick whichever flavor you prefer!
To make the savory version, you’ll use a pie crust pastry and fill it with minced pork and spices such as oregano and parsley. Then, you’ll close off the min pie and bake it until it’s golden brown.
If you prefer a sweet version of the pie, just substitute the pork for a blend of dried fruits, apples, cinnamon, and other spices!
Either way, we’re sure you won’t want to stop eating these treats once you start!
Start Baking Pastries Like a Pro Pastry Chef
Baking pastries doesn’t have to be tough. In fact, you can make yourself look like a pro pastry chef to your friends by whipping up any one of these scrumptious recipes!
So, are you ready to start baking pastries like a professional chef straight out of Le Cordon Bleu?
Want to create mouthwatering pastries that transport you straight to Europe?
Check out the recipes and baking tips we offer at Food Porn Zone!
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