Classic Mille-Feuille (Napoleon)

Classic Mille-Feuille (Napoleon)

Introduction:

Mille-Feuille, which translates to “thousand layers,” is a classic French pastry that’s as elegant as it is delicious. This dessert consists of crispy layers of puff pastry alternated with rich vanilla pastry cream, topped with a dusting of powdered sugar. It’s a sophisticated treat that’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying on a special occasion.

Ingredients:

• For the puff pastry:
  • 500g ready-made puff pastry
• For the pastry cream:
  • 500ml milk
  • 1 vanilla pod, split and seeds scraped
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 100g sugar
  • 40g cornstarch
  • 50g butter
• For the icing:
  • 100g powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk

Method:

1. Puff Pastry Preparation:
   • Roll out the puff pastry into three equal-sized sheets. Prick them all over with a fork to prevent excessive rising. Bake at 200°C (390°F) for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy. Allow to cool completely.
2. Make the Pastry Cream:
   • Heat the milk with the vanilla pod and seeds in a saucepan until it just begins to boil. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with sugar until light and fluffy, then incorporate the cornstarch. Gradually pour the hot milk over the egg mixture, whisking continuously. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in butter, and let cool, then chill in the fridge.
3. Assemble the Mille-Feuille:
   • Place one sheet of puff pastry on a serving plate. Spread half of the pastry cream over it. Top with the second sheet of pastry, followed by the remaining cream. Finish with the third sheet of pastry. Chill for at least an hour.
4. Decorate:
   • Sift powdered sugar over the top before serving. Optionally, you can make a simple icing by mixing powdered sugar with milk and drizzle it over the top in a crisscross pattern.

Conclusion: This Mille-Feuille is a testament to the delights of French pastry-making, featuring layers of texture and flavor that are both sophisticated and indulgent. Each bite offers a perfect balance of creamy and crispy textures, making it a truly luxurious dessert.

Enjoy the process of creating this exquisite pastry that’s sure to be a showstopper at any event!

Feel free to experiment with different fillings such as whipped cream or chocolate ganache for a unique twist on this classic dessert!