CHERRY PASTRY WITH VANILLA CREAM
Cherry and Vanilla Cream Puff Pastry - A Summer Delight
When it comes to summer and seasonal fruits, cherries are among the most beloved. This quick and delicious dessert, Cherry and Vanilla Cream Puff Pastry, combines the crispiness of puff pastry with the sweetness of cherries and the smoothness of vanilla cream. It is a dish that not only delights the eyes but also the taste buds, perfect for celebrating warm summer days. Let's venture into this step-by-step recipe!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12 pieces
Ingredients:
- 400 g puff pastry (store-bought)
- 250 ml milk
- ½ packet vanilla pudding
- 80 g sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 shot cherry liqueur
- 400 g ripe cherries (about 2 cups)
- 2 tablespoons cherry liqueur for drizzling
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 egg, for brushing the pastry
- Baking paper
Brief history:
Puff pastry is a pastry technique that dates back to the 17th century, and when combined with cherries, it becomes a symbol of summer. Cherries, with their natural flavor and juiciness, have been used in various desserts over time, bringing joy and refreshment on hot days. This recipe is a modern reinterpretation of culinary traditions, combining simple ingredients to create a masterpiece.
Step by Step:
1. Preparing the vanilla cream:
Start by mixing the pudding powder with 50 ml of cold milk to avoid lumps. In a saucepan, bring the remaining milk to a boil. Once the milk starts boiling, add the dissolved pudding mixture. Stir continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
Add the two egg yolks and the cherry liqueur, mixing well to ensure a smooth texture. After the cream thickens, remove it from heat and let it cool. For a very smooth cream, you can strain it through a fine sieve.
2. Preparing the cherries:
Wash the cherries under cold running water and remove the stems. Use a pitter or a small knife to remove the pits. After pitting, drizzle them with cherry liqueur and sprinkle with cinnamon. Let them chill for 20-30 minutes to blend the flavors.
3. Preparing the puff pastry:
Preheat the oven to 200 °C. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Thaw the puff pastry according to the package instructions. On a floured surface, roll out a sheet of pastry to about 20 cm wide.
Cut a strip 14 cm wide and two strips 2 cm wide, as well as two strips 1 cm wide. Place the 14 cm strip in the tray, pricking it with a fork in several places to prevent it from puffing up during baking. Brush the edges of the tray with egg yolk and place the 2 cm strips on either side. Brush them with beaten egg and add the 1 cm strips on top.
4. Assembling the pastry:
Let the tray sit in a warm place for 30 minutes to allow the pastry to rest. After this time, pour the pudding cream over the pastry, between the 2 cm strips. Arrange the cherries symmetrically on top of the cream, making sure to distribute them evenly.
5. Baking:
Let the pastry sit in a warm place for another 20 minutes before baking. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the pastry is golden and crispy. Once baked, let it cool completely before cutting into portions.
Useful tips:
- Use ripe and sweet cherries for the perfect taste. If the cherries are too tart, you can add a little sugar over them before using.
- If you want a more aromatic version, you can add a few drops of vanilla extract to the pudding cream.
- You can substitute the cherry liqueur with another fruit liqueur, such as peach or plum, to experiment with different flavors.
Ideal pairings:
This dessert pairs perfectly with a glass of rosé champagne or a sweet white wine. Additionally, vanilla ice cream will add a refreshing and creamy contrast.
Calories and nutritional benefits:
Each serving of Cherry and Vanilla Cream Puff Pastry contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the cut portions and ingredients used. Cherries are an excellent source of antioxidants and vitamins, helping to strengthen the immune system and maintain skin health.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other fruits instead of cherries? Absolutely! You can experiment with peaches, plums, or blueberries.
- How can I store the pastry? It is recommended to consume it within 2 days, keeping it in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
- Can I freeze the pastry? It is better not to freeze the baked pastry, but you can freeze the unbaked pastry.
Allow yourself to enjoy this simple and flavorful recipe, perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it at a party or simply at home, the Cherry and Vanilla Cream Puff Pastry will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Prepare it easily and enjoy every bite!
Ingredients: 400g puff pastry (store-bought), 2.5dl milk, 1/2 packet vanilla pudding, 80g sugar, 2 egg yolks, 1 small glass cherry liqueur, 400g ripe cherries + 2 tablespoons cherry liqueur for drizzling, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, egg for brushing the pastry, baking paper;
