I. What is Croquembouche? Croquembouche is a traditional French dessert that consists of a tower of cream-filled profiteroles (small choux pastry balls) held together with caramelized sugar. The name “croquembouche” translates to “crunch in the mouth,” which perfectly describes the crispy caramel coating that surrounds the delicate cream puffs. This elegant dessert is often served … Read more
I. What is Chausson aux Pommes? Chausson aux Pommes is a popular French pastry that translates to “apple slipper” in English. It is a delicious dessert made with puff pastry filled with sweetened apple compote or slices. The pastry is typically folded in a half-moon shape, resembling a slipper, and then baked until golden and … Read more
I. What is Paris-Brest? Paris-Brest is a classic French pastry that is named after the famous bicycle race from Paris to Brest in Brittany. This delectable dessert consists of a ring of choux pastry filled with praline-flavored cream and topped with sliced almonds. The pastry is typically shaped like a bicycle wheel to represent the … Read more
I. What is Pie? Pie is a delicious baked dish that consists of a pastry crust filled with sweet or savory ingredients. The crust can be made from a variety of ingredients, such as flour, butter, and water, while the filling can range from fruits and nuts to meats and vegetables. Pies can be served … Read more
I. What is Friand? Friand is a small, oval-shaped pastry that originated in France. It is typically made with almond meal, egg whites, powdered sugar, and butter, giving it a light and fluffy texture. Friands are often filled with fruits, nuts, or chocolate, making them a versatile and delicious treat. II. History of Friand The … Read more
I. What is Eclair? An eclair is a popular French pastry that consists of a hollow, elongated shell made of choux pastry filled with cream and topped with icing. The word “eclair” means “flash of lightning” in French, which is said to refer to the speed at which one can consume this delicious treat. Eclairs … Read more
I. What is Raspberry Pie? Raspberry pie is a delicious dessert made with a flaky pastry crust filled with sweet and tart raspberries. The filling is typically made by combining fresh raspberries with sugar, flour, and sometimes lemon juice or zest to enhance the flavor. The pie is then baked until the crust is golden … Read more
I. What is Baba au Rhum? Baba au Rhum is a traditional French dessert that consists of a small yeast cake soaked in rum syrup. The cake is typically made with a rich dough that is similar to brioche, a type of bread that is enriched with eggs, butter, and sugar. The cake is then … Read more
I. What is Religieuse? Religieuse is a classic French pastry that consists of two cream-filled choux pastry puffs stacked on top of each other. The larger puff represents the body of a nun, while the smaller puff on top represents the head. The pastry is typically decorated with icing or ganache to resemble the traditional … Read more
Pastry Types: Gâteau I. What is Gâteau? Gâteau is a French term that translates to “cake” in English. It refers to a type of rich, sweet dessert that is typically baked and often layered with cream, fruit, or other fillings. Gâteau can come in various shapes and sizes, from round cakes to loaf cakes, and … Read more