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.
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?
ReplyDeleteOh, wow. You just reminded me that I have a post to write tonight!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this challenge. And it is was pretty tasty too!
Looks good!
This looks absolutely delicious!!!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, creamy and yummy
ReplyDeleteProfessional indeed! These look really impressive - great layering efforts!
ReplyDeleteKudos on successful and tasty Napoleons. They look great.
ReplyDeleteYes, your napoleons look fantastic! Great job!
ReplyDeleteIt does look professional! I think it's fun to make something that you'd normally buy in a fancy bakery.
ReplyDeleteStunning! Loving your feathering on the top too
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't be surprised if someone mistook this to be from a bakery :D
ReplyDeleteCheers
CCU
looks very professional - love the feathered icing - and making your own puff pastry is always impressive
ReplyDeleteI think I'd lose patience!
ReplyDeleteThat 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 :)
ReplyDeleteI 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!
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