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 race it is named after. Paris-Brest is known for its light and airy texture, as well as its rich and nutty flavor.
II. History of Paris-Brest
Paris-Brest was created in 1910 by pastry chef Louis Durand to commemorate the Paris-Brest bicycle race. The race was first held in 1891 and attracted cyclists from all over France. Durand wanted to create a pastry that would be easy for cyclists to eat on the go, so he came up with the idea of a ring-shaped choux pastry filled with cream. The pastry became an instant hit and has since become a beloved French dessert.
III. Ingredients used in Paris-Brest
The main ingredients used in Paris-Brest include choux pastry, praline-flavored cream, and sliced almonds. Choux pastry is made from a mixture of water, butter, flour, and eggs, which is then piped into a ring shape and baked until golden brown. The praline-flavored cream is made from a combination of pastry cream and praline paste, which gives the filling a rich and nutty flavor. Sliced almonds are sprinkled on top of the pastry to add a crunchy texture.
IV. How to make Paris-Brest
To make Paris-Brest, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil, then add flour and stir until a smooth dough forms. Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and beat in eggs one at a time until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Pipe the choux pastry into a ring shape on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
While the pastry is baking, prepare the praline-flavored cream by mixing pastry cream and praline paste together until well combined. Once the pastry has cooled, slice it in half horizontally and fill the bottom half with the praline cream. Place the top half of the pastry on top and sprinkle sliced almonds over the top. Serve the Paris-Brest immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
V. Variations of Paris-Brest
There are many variations of Paris-Brest that you can try to add your own twist to this classic dessert. Some popular variations include using different flavored creams such as chocolate, coffee, or raspberry. You can also experiment with different toppings like chocolate ganache, caramel sauce, or fresh fruit. For a lighter version, you can fill the pastry with whipped cream instead of pastry cream. The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing Paris-Brest to suit your taste preferences.
VI. Serving suggestions for Paris-Brest
Paris-Brest is best served fresh and at room temperature to enjoy its light and airy texture. You can serve the pastry on its own as a decadent dessert or pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious treat. For a special occasion, you can drizzle the pastry with chocolate sauce or dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation. Paris-Brest is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed any time of day, whether as a sweet breakfast pastry or a show-stopping dessert at a dinner party.