Experience the charm of a French patisserie with these exquisite French apricot pastries. Perfect for a sophisticated brunch or a sweet afternoon treat, these pastries combine flaky puff pastry with a rich, creamy filling and luscious apricots for a touch of luxury.
Ingredients:
For the Pastry Cream:
- 1 cup milk (240 ml)
- 2 tbsp sugar (25g)
- 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (15g)
- 1 tbsp butter (15g)
For the Pastries:
- 6 puff pastry squares, 5” x 5” (13 cm x 13 cm)
- 12 apricot halves (from 2 cans, 15-ounce each)
- 1 egg, beaten for egg wash
- ¼ cup apricot jam (60 ml), for glazing
Directions:
- Pastry Cream Preparation:
- In a saucepan, combine the milk with sugar and the seeds from the vanilla bean. Bring to a simmer then remove from heat.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with cornstarch. Gradually pour in the hot milk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until the cream thickens.
- Remove from heat, stir in butter until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and chill overnight.
- Assemble the Pastries:
- Lay out the puff pastry squares on a lightly floured surface. Spread about 2 tablespoons of chilled pastry cream in the center of each square.
- Top each with two apricot halves, cut side down.
- Brush the edges of the pastry with beaten egg, fold over to form a triangle or bring edges to the center to enclose the filling, and press gently to seal.
- Chill the assembled pastries for 30 minutes.
- Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries are golden and puffed.
- Warm the apricot jam until it becomes runny. Brush the hot pastries with the jam to give them a beautiful, glossy finish.
Preparation Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Pro Tips:
- Make the pastry cream a day or two in advance to simplify the preparation.
- For an alternative twist, consider adding a spoonful of almond paste beneath the apricots before baking.
- Serve these pastries warm for the best experience, accompanied by a steaming cup of coffee or tea.
Conclusion:
These French Apricot Pastries are not just a dessert; they’re a visual and gastronomic delight, bringing a piece of French culinary artistry to your table. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a decadent snack, these pastries promise a delightful blend of textures and flavors that are sure to enchant any palate. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome!