Little Chinese

Recipe for Petit Chinois with Vanilla Cream

Who doesn't remember the beautiful days spent around a table full of goodies? Today, I invite you to dive into the universe of a delicious recipe that combines the fine aroma of vanilla with the fluffy texture of a leavened dough. Petit Chinois is a classic dessert, perfect for any occasion, from festive meals to a simple afternoon spent with loved ones. Here’s how to prepare this delight.

Total preparation time: 2 hours (including rising)
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Necessary ingredients

For the dough:
- 550 g flour
- 100 g sugar
- 10 g dry yeast
- 2 eggs
- 200 ml warm milk
- 150 g butter (at room temperature)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 vanilla essence

For the filling:
- 600 ml milk
- 100 g sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- Grated peel of one orange
- 1 vanilla essence

Preparing the leaven

The first step in making this wonderful dessert is to prepare the leaven. In a small bowl, add 50 ml of warm milk, one tablespoon of sugar, one tablespoon of flour, and 10 g of dry yeast. Mix well and let the mixture rise for about 15-20 minutes, or until it starts to form bubbles. This step is essential, as the activated yeast will make our dough rise fluffy and delicious.

Sifting the flour and mixing the dough

Once the leaven has risen, sift 550 g of flour into a large bowl. Sifting the flour helps to aerate it, which will contribute to a fluffier texture of the dough. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the leaven, the two eggs, the remaining 200 ml of warm milk, the remaining sugar (80 g), and a pinch of salt.

Kneading the dough

Knead the dough for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If you feel exhausted, don’t hesitate to use a kitchen mixer with a kneading hook! Once the dough is ready, add the 150 g of soft butter and continue kneading until it is fully incorporated. This step will give the dough a rich and flavorful texture.

Letting it rise

Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise for 1 hour, or until the dough doubles in volume. A warm room will help with this process, so find a comfortable spot for your dough.

Preparing the filling

While the dough is rising, it’s time to focus on the filling. In a saucepan, bring 600 ml of milk to a boil. In a separate bowl, whisk 3 egg yolks with 100 g of sugar until they become a smooth cream. Add the 3 tablespoons of cornstarch and mix gently to avoid lumps.

When the milk has boiled, gradually pour it over the egg yolk mixture, stirring continuously to avoid coagulation. Return the mixture to the saucepan and simmer over low heat, stirring constantly, until the cream begins to thicken. Add the grated orange peel and vanilla essence, then let the cream cool to room temperature.

Assembling the dessert

Once the dough has risen, sprinkle a work surface with flour and roll it out into a sheet about 0.5 cm thick. Evenly spread the vanilla cream over the dough and roll it tightly, forming a log. With a floured knife, cut the log into slices about 3 cm wide. Place the slices in a floured baking dish, making sure to leave space between them to allow for rising.

Let the slices rise in the dish for 15 minutes, then place the dish in the preheated oven at 180°C (medium heat). Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the slices are golden and fluffy. The aroma that will fill the kitchen while baking is truly irresistible!

Serving and suggestions

Once the Petit Chinois is ready, let it cool slightly before serving. This dessert pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or aromatic coffee. You can dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant look or serve it with a berry sauce for a delicious contrast.

Variations and useful tips

If you want to add a touch of originality, try adding some chopped nuts or almonds to the filling for an extra texture. You can also replace the orange peel with lemon zest for a fresher flavor or even with cocoa for a chocolate version.

Nutrition and calories

This Petit Chinois recipe offers about 250 calories per serving, but don’t worry! It’s a dessert that can be enjoyed in moderation. The flour, eggs, and milk provide necessary proteins and carbohydrates for energy, while the butter contributes healthy fats.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but the dough will have a different texture and may require more liquid.

2. How can I store Petit Chinois?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for a week.

3. Can it be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the slices of Petit Chinois. Make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.

I invite you to try this simple and delicious Petit Chinois recipe, which will surely bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones! Share your culinary experiences with us and feel free to write to us if you have any questions or suggestions. Cooking is an art, and every recipe is a story worth telling!

 Ingredients: DOUGH 550 g flour 100 g sugar 10 g dry yeast vanilla essence 2 eggs 200 ml milk 150 g butter 1 pinch of salt FILLING 600 ml milk 100 g sugar 3 egg yolks 3 tablespoons cornstarch orange zest vanilla essence

 Tags:  little chinese