This King Cake (Galette des Rois) is a very popular French pie. It celebrates the holiday of Epiphany, the day when 3 wise men came bearing gifts for newborn Jesus. The traditional way to bake this king cake is to place a porcelain figurine, a charm or “fève” into the center of the galette. The person who receives the slice with the charm is “King of the Day”. The lucky winner gets to wear a (paper) crown for the rest of the day!
King Cake (Galette des Rois)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (100 g) softened butter
- 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup (100 g) almond flour
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 Tbsp rum (optional)
- 2 sheets ready-to-use puff pastry ( Puff Pastry Sheets)
- 1 egg yolk
Instructions
- Beat the softened butter and sugar together, then beat in the eggs. Stir in the almond powder. Add vanilla, rum and set it aside.
- Roll out one sheet of puff pastry. Poke holes with fork.
- Spread the almond filling over the center of the dough, leaving a 1 inch (1.2 cm) exposed border. If you wish, place a little porcelain figurine “fève” somewhere in the almond filling.
- Brush the edges of the pastry with water and cover with another circle of dough on top and press down to seal the edges.
- Brush with beaten yolk then use a paring knife to create a design on top of your galette, Poke 8-10 holes in the top, to allow steam to escape while baking.
- Place in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 380 degrees F. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown. (Bake on the bottom rack of the oven).
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This post was posted in Desserts, Puff Pastry
Chocolate King Cake (Galette des Rois)
King Cake is a very popular French pie that celebrates the Epiphany, in early January. My children love this cake as well as chocolate so the Chocolate King Cake makes them twice as happy!
Chocolate King Cake (Galette des Rois)
Ingredients
- 100 ml heavy whipping cream
- 100 g dark chocolate (60-70% cacao)
- 50 g softened butter
- 50 g sugar
- 1 egg
- 50 g almond flour
- 2 sheets ready-to-use puff pastry
- 1 egg yolk
Instructions
- Bring the heavy whipping cream to a boil. Pour it on the chocolate, wait a few seconds then mix well until the mixture is homogeneous.
- Beat the softened butter and sugar together.
- Beat in the egg. Mix.
- Then, add the almond flour and mix well.
- Add the melted chocolate to the almond preparation and mix well. If this preparation is too thin (because it is still hot), leave to cool in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.
- Roll out one sheet of puff pastry. Spread the chocolate-almond filling over the center of the dough, leaving a 1 inch (1.2 cm) exposed border. If you wish, place a little porcelain figurine “fève” in the filling.
- Brush the edges of the pastry with water and cover with another circle of dough on top and press down to seal the edges.
- If you want, with a knife or just with your fingers, decorate the edges.
- Brush with beaten yolk. Place in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 390F (190C).
- Brush with yolk one more time. Using a knife, create a design on top of your galette. Poke 3-5 holes, to allow steam to escape while baking.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.
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This post was posted in Desserts, Puff Pastry
Chocolate pear tart
Incredibly delicious tart from my favorite chef Philippe (Meilleur du chef). This chocolate pear tart is a little long to prepare, but without a doubt, worth it!
At the request of friends, my translation from French with slight deviations from the original recipe.
if you like it, please try my other desserts.
Chocolate pear tart
The dough can be prepared by hand, in a food processor or using a mixer.
Ingredients
Almond Shortcrust Pastry
- 200 g flour
- 120 g softened butter
- 75 g powdered sugar
- 30 g almond flour
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp liquid vanilla (or 1 packet of vanilla sugar or 1 vanilla pod)
Almond Cream
- 50 g almond flour
- A dash lemon juice
- 45 g sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 egg whiltes
- 3-4 ripe pears
Chocolate Ganache
- 150 ml heavy cream (35%)
- 210 g chocolate chips 60 % cocoa
- 50 g grated dark chocolate
Instructions
Almond Shortcrust Pastry
- Sift the flour and powdered sugar into a bowl or onto a work surface. Add almond flour and butter cubes. Rub with your hands until it becomes crumbly.
- Add the egg and liquid vanilla. Mix everything quickly. Once it forms into a ball, the dough is ready.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F). Roll out the dough thinly between parchment paper or plastic wrap.
- Transfer the dough to a tart pan, pressing it against the bottom and sides. Trim off any excess dough. (In the example, a baking ring is used.)
- Poke the entire surface with a fork.
- Bake in the oven for 15–20 minutes until golden. Remove and cool.
Almond Cream
- Mix sugar with egg yolks. Add lemon juice and almond flour.
- Beat the egg whites into stiff peaks.
- Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the almond mixture.
- Peel the pears, cut them in half, and remove the cores. Slice them very thinly.
- Spread the almond-egg mixture evenly over the cooled tart crust. Arrange the pear slices decoratively on top.
- Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes. Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool.
Chocolate Ganache
- Carefully remove the tart from the pan. Cut a long strip of parchment paper about 5 cm wide. Wrap it around the tart and secure it with tape.
- Heat the cream to a boil and pour it over the chocolate. Let it sit for 1–2 minutes.
- Stir until smooth to create a thick ganache.
- Pour the ganache over the tart and smooth the surface.
- Sprinkle with grated chocolate.
- Let it set at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Once the ganache is firm, remove the parchment strip.
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This post was posted in Desserts
Pastry Cream
Pastry Cream (Crème pâtissière) is a delicate cream for custard cakes (eclairs, petits choux, religieuse), Napoleon, mille-feuille, meringue and other sponge cakes.
After trying many options, I settled on this recipe from French chef Johan from Toulouse (Johan Le Meilleur Patissier M6).
Here is my translation from French of the Vanilla Crème Pâtissière recipe. The original link is Recette de la Crème Pâtissière à la Vanille (in French).
Pastry Cream
Pastry Cream is a delicate cream for custard cakes (eclairs, petits choux), Napoleon, mille-feuille, meringue and other sponge cakes.
Ingredients
- 1/2 vanilla bean
- 250 ml whole milk
- 55 g egg yolk (approximately 3 yolks)
- 50 g sugar
- 25 g cornstarch (maizena)
- 25 g butter
Instructions
- Pour the milk into a saucepan. Split the vanilla pod lengthwise and scrape out the tiny seeds with the tip of a knife. Add the pod and seeds to the milk.
- Whisk the yolks with the sugar until well combined.
- Add the cornstarch and mix thoroughly.
- Bring the milk to a boil. Gradually pour 1/3 of the hot milk into the yolk-sugar mixture, stirring vigorously.
- Pour the mixture back into the saucepan.
- Cook the cream over low heat, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes after it starts boiling. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Immediately transfer the cream to a cold bowl (previously chilled in the fridge or freezer). Add small pieces of butter and mix until smooth. Cover the surface of the cream directly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until completely cooled.
- Before serving, whisk the cream thoroughly. This is the moment to add rum or other flavorings, if desired.
Notes
Pastry Cream is a delicate cream for custard cakes (eclairs, petits choux), Napoleon, mille-feuille, meringue and other sponge cakes.
Nutrition
Calories: 1kcal
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This post was posted in Desserts
Chocolate Yule Log (Bûche de Noël)
Chocolate Yule Log (Bûche de Noël) is the French roll cake very popular during the Holiday season. This is a delicious version of Yule Log you can make at home using very simple ingredients you can find in every store.
Chocolate Yule Log (Bûche de Noël)
Ingredients
Sugar syrup
- 150 g sugar
- 300 ml water
Chocolate ganache
- 200 ml heavy whipping cream ( 35%)
- 200 g dark chocolate (60-70% cacao)
- 15 g unsalted butter
Biscuit
- 4 eggs (at room temperature)
- 120 g sugar
- 120 g all purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp cocoa powder
Chantilly cream
- 250 ml heavy whipping cream ( 35%) very cold
- 50 g mascarpone cheese
- 1.25 Tbsp sugar
Decoration
- Few meringues, pieces of chocolat
Instructions
Sugar syrup
- In a small pot, bring cold water and sugar to the boil. Keep boiling for a few minutes, stir constantly until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove the pan from the heat and let cool down. When the syrup is cold, you may add vanilla or the Triple Sec liqueur (optional).
Biscuit
- Preheat oven to 380 degrees F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using an electric mixer, beat eggs and sugar until the mixture becomes thick, fluffy, and triples in volume.
- Using a spatula, gently fold in flour and cocoa powder.
- Spread the batter evenly in thin layer into the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 7 to 8 minutes in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in center of biscuit comes out clean.
- Turn upside down onto clean kitchen towel and carefully remove parchment paper. Let cool down.
Chocolate ganache
- Boil the heavy whipping cream. Pour the boiling cream over the dark chocolate. Wait for one minute.
- Then mix it until the mixture is smooth.
- Add butter and mix until this is fully dissolved.
- Let cool the ganache for about 30 minutes in the fridge. Mix and check frequently: the ganache is ready when it’s not anymore liquid and has a spreadable texture.
Chantilly cream
- Beat together very cold heavy cream and cold mascarpone cheese until this is whipped. Keep gradually adding sugar.
Assemblage
- Paint the biscuit with sugar syrup.
- Spread the chantilly cream evenly over the biscuit.
- Roll up firmly.
- Tightly cover with plastic wrap, and keep in the fridge until chocolate ganache is ready.
- Remove the plastic wrap. Spread the ganache over the cake. Using a fork make lines to look like a log. Transfer the cake to a serving platter and let stand in the fridge for a night or at least 3 hours.
- Before serving, dust with cacao cocoa powder and decorate with meringues or pieces of chocolate.
Notes
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This post was posted in Desserts
Cranberry Cake
This homemade cranberry cake is perfect for the winter season. Its bright red color brings holiday spirit to your family dinner or friends party. Easy to make and delicious!
Cranberry Cake
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 220 g granulated sugar
- 115 g melted butter
- 150 g all purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 380ºF. Grease and flour a cake pan.
- Beat eggs and sugar with mixer until slightly thickened.
- Add melted butter and mix well.
- Stir in the flour and baking powder.
- Add the cranberries and stir gently.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool. If desired, dust with confectioners sugar.
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This post was posted in Desserts
Poached pears in red wine
A perfect seasonal recipe! These beautifully red-colored pears are delicious after being poached in red wine with spices.
An easy dessert to prepare, perfect to finish a year-end meal.
Poached pears in red wine
Ingredients
- 4-8 pears (firm)
- 750 ml red wine
- 150 g powdered sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1 bean vanilla split lengthwise
- 1 zeste orange
- 5 black peppercorns
- 1-2 clove(s)
- 1 stick cinnamon
- 1 star anise
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine the sugar, peppercorns, orange zest, and the vanilla bean split lengthwise. Add the cinnamon stick, cloves, and star anise.
- Pour in the red wine and bring to a boil.
- Meanwhile, peel the pears, leaving the stems if possible.
- When the wine reaches a boil, reduce the heat and submerge the pears in the liquid. Let them cook for 20 to 50 minutes, until the pears are tender. Cooking time varies based on the firmness of the pears.Turn off the heat and let the pears cool in the wine.
- To serve, place the pears in small dishes or bowls and drizzle with the spiced wine.
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Basque Cheesecake
Basque cheesecake is a popular recipe in Spain, where it is called ‘torta de queso.’ The big difference from the classic cheesecake is that it’s simpler, with no crust underneath and no topping on top.
Basque Cheesecake
Important tip: the batter should be mixed at low speed to avoid adding air bubbles.
Ingredients
- 900 g softened cream cheese (such as Philadelphia)
- 3 pinches of salt
- 220 g granulated sugar
- 450 ml heavy cream
- 6 eggs
- 1 teaspoon liquid vanilla (or paste, or 1 vanilla pod)
- 30 g sifted flour
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (thermostat 6). Line a large pan (24 cm) with 2 layers of parchment paper.
- In a mixer bowl, beat the Philadelphia cheese at low speed with the sugar, adding the salt.
- Add the heavy cream and vanilla. Continue mixing at low speed.
- Add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition, still on low speed.
- Add the flour and mix once more.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake in the oven for about 60 minutes. The cake will rise, develop a nice golden crust, but remain slightly wobbly in the center.
- Remove the cake from the oven. Let it cool for about 2 hours, then unmold it onto a serving plate. As it cools, the cake will deflate.
- Serve at room temperature with syruped cherries or enjoy it plain.
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This post was posted in Desserts
Walnut and Almond Cake
If you like almonds and walnuts, you will love this savory cake. Crush up walnuts and use almond flour to make this easy, quick, and delicious dessert.
Walnut and Almond Cake
Ingredients
- 125 g walnuts
- 5 eggs
- 230 g sugar
- 125 g melted butter
- 125 g almond flour
- 80 g all purpose flour
- Some walnuts halves
- Some powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper.
- Grind the walnuts in a blender. (Keep few walnuts halves to decorate the cake.)
- Using a mixer beat the eggs with sugar.
- Add the butter. Mix.
- Add the walnuts and almond powder. Mix.
- Add the flour and mix last time.
- Pour the batter in the pan. Lay slices the walnuts halves on top of the cake.
- Bake for about 40 minutes or until а toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Once the cake cools off, then transfer to plate.
- Dust it with powdered sugar before serving.
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This post was posted in Desserts
Puff Pastry Apple Tart
Very simple puff pastry apple tart recipe with minimum ingredients and maximum flavor. You don’t even need a mold for it. Sour apples work the best. I use brown sugar, it gives the apples that caramelized taste. Can be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or cold with some powdered sugar on top.
Puff pastry apple tart
Taste first your apples, then add more or less sugar to make tart perfect to your taste.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet all butter puff pastry
- 3-4 apples Granny Smith
- 1-2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 30 g unsalted butter
- confectioner’s sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 380 degrees F. Place the dough on the baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Poke all over with a fork.
- Peel the apples, core and cut into wedges. Slice the wedges thinly and arrange the slices on the pastry, overlapping as you go. Dot apple slices with butter.
- Fold the edges of the pastry.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, until the pastry is golden and apples are tender.
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This post was posted in Desserts, Puff Pastry