Saturday, October 27, 2012

Daring Bakers - Layering Up: Mille-feuille/Napoleon



Our October 2012 Daring Bakers’ challenge was hosted by Suz of Serenely Full. Suz challenged us to not only tackle buttery and flaky puff pastry, but then take it step further and create a sinfully delicious Mille Feuille dessert with it!

The challenge required us to make puff pastry, vanilla pastry cream and royal icing, then assemble these components into Napoleons (or as we would say, vanilla slices).  I have made all of these components before, so I wasn't fazed by this challenge.  However, it is a time consuming process, especially as the pastry needs to be turned and rested numerous times, so I recommend setting aside the best part of a day to make these, or making them over several days.

The end result was delicious, if rather sweet.  At work, my Napoleons were judged to be professional and delicious, so I guess I did OK on this one.

There will be mille feuille all over the food blogosphere today should you care to see some more.

14 comments:

Kayte said...

Lots of work, indeed, but so glorious when it is finished. Yours looks beautiful. There is something very satisfying about making pastries like this...I fell in love with it when I was doing Whisk Wednesdays and we were working through Le Cordon Bleu program/recipes for a couple of years. I should really get back to that, I just loved it. When time allows, right?

Cher Rockwell said...

Oh, wow. You just reminded me that I have a post to write tonight!
I enjoyed this challenge. And it is was pretty tasty too!
Looks good!

Jennifer said...

This looks absolutely delicious!!!!

Finla said...

Beautiful, creamy and yummy

Kari said...

Professional indeed! These look really impressive - great layering efforts!

Anonymous said...

Kudos on successful and tasty Napoleons. They look great.

Jenni said...

Yes, your napoleons look fantastic! Great job!

Jill said...

It does look professional! I think it's fun to make something that you'd normally buy in a fancy bakery.

The Caked Crusader said...

Stunning! Loving your feathering on the top too

Choc Chip Uru @ Go Bake Yourself said...

I wouldn't be surprised if someone mistook this to be from a bakery :D

Cheers
CCU

Johanna GGG said...

looks very professional - love the feathered icing - and making your own puff pastry is always impressive

Blond Duck said...

I think I'd lose patience!

Not Quite Nigella said...

That looks great! I really wanted to do it this month but alas I ran out of time. Mille feuille is one of my favourite desserts too :)

Elaine said...

I just don't see how you keep up with all these groups and have the time with your busy schedule to do such challenging confections. I am so impressed!