A SIMPLY GRAND NAPOLEON DESSERT
Originally conceived as an RSC #9 contest entry, this dessert recipe has simplicity as the heart of its appeal and combines it with an easy, make-ahead method to reach a special outcome. It is easily halved to serve 2, is bold with the flavor of Grand Mariner and is certain to convince your family or guests you have slaved for them. (Time does not include time for fruit to soak in Grand Marnier)
Provided by twissis
Categories Dessert
Time 1h20m
Yield 4 Napoleon Desserts, 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out 1 cold pastry sheet to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut six 4 ½ - 5 inch circles (I used a pint-size plastic container with a 4 ½ inch diameter and the circles shrank to a 3 ½ inch diameter).
- Gently transfer cut pastry circles onto parchment lined baking sheet & brush with an egg wash of 1 egg mixed with 1 tbsp water.
- Bake until pastry circles are light golden brown (approx 10 min, but watch as cooking times may vary).
- Remove from oven, allow to cool, gently transfer circles to an airtight storage container and set aside.
- Place crushed pineapple and chopped orange segments in a fine sieve and allow to drain of liquid until you see no continued active dripping. Transfer mixture to a bowl, add 1 tbsp Grand Mariner, mix well and refrigerate 1 hour to allow flavors to blend.
- Return fruit mixture to fine sieve and press with the flat of a large spoon to remove all liquid. Discard or reserve liquid for another use.
- Combine the softened Mascarpone cheese with the light brown sugar, coconut milk, 1 tbsp Grand Marnier, pineapple/orange mixture and 2 oz coconut. Refrigerate until ready to assemble desserts.
- To Assemble Desserts:.
- Split each of the 6 pastry circles in half as evenly as possible using a sharp knife. Using a pastry brush, brush the inside surface of 6 circles and the top surface of the other 6 circles with the remaining 2 tbsp of Grand Marnier.
- Gently spread blended cheese mixture over 8 of the pastry circles, stack them in groups of 2 and top with 4 of the browned circles.
- Garnish the top circle of each dessert with the orange zest and remaining 2 oz of coconut. (May also top with a dollop of any excess cheese mixture and then garnish with the orange zest & coconut) Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 625.3, Fat 44.7, SaturatedFat 24.1, Cholesterol 46.5, Sodium 184.6, Carbohydrate 51.5, Fiber 7, Sugar 17.7, Protein 8.7
VANILLA CREAM NAPOLEONS
These bakery shop beauties are fun to recreate in your home kitchen, using frozen puff pastry sheet and pudding mix.
Provided by By Arlene Cummings
Categories Dessert
Time 40m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Heat oven to 400°F. Lightly spray 2 cookie sheets with cooking spray. On lightly floured surface, unfold pastry sheets. Cut each sheet into 3 strips along fold marks. Place on cookie sheet; prick lightly with fork all over strips. Repeat with remaining pastry sheet and second cookie sheet.
- Bake about 5 minutes. Prick surfaces of pastries with fork to prevent pastries from rising too much during baking. Bake 10 minutes longer or until golden brown. Remove pastries from cookie sheets; cool 10 to 15 minutes.
- In large bowl, beat pudding mix, 2 cups milk, vanilla and sour cream with electric mixer on medium speed until soft pudding forms. Cover; refrigerate 10 to 15 minutes.
- In small bowl, stir powdered sugar and 3 teaspoons milk. If icing is too thick, stir in another teaspoon milk until spreadable consistency.
- On 1 pastry layer, spread about 3/4 cup pudding. Repeat with another pastry layer and 3/4 cup pudding. Top with third pastry layer. Spread icing over top. Set aside. Repeat to make second dessert with remaining pastries, pudding and icing.
- In microwavable small bowl, microwave chocolate chips uncovered on High about 30 seconds or until chocolate can be stirred smooth. Drizzle chocolate back and forth across top of each dessert. Drag toothpick through chocolate and icing to create marbled appearance.
- Cut desserts into 2-inch slices. Cover; refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 Serving
MILLE FEUILLE (NAPOLEON PASTRY SHEETS)
You don't need to make your own dough when frozen puff pastry sheets work just fine. The key is keeping the dough flat when baking which we do by 'docking' it, or pricking all over with the tines of a fork. These crispy, buttery sheets are the first step in making your own Napoleons.
Provided by Chef John
Categories 100+ Everyday Cooking Recipes
Time 55m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 2
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone sheet.
- Separate dough at the seams into 4 squares and place on prepared baking sheet. Score the dough all over with the tines of a fork to prevent it from rising too much when baking. Lightly sprinkle dough sheets with white granulated sugar.
- Cover with a sheet of parchment paper and 3 sheets of aluminum foil. Nest another baking sheet on top to apply some pressure to the dough while it bakes.
- Bake in preheated oven 15 minutes; remove top pan and foil and gently peel off the parchment paper. Return pan to oven and bake until pastry is beautifully browned, 10 to 15 minutes. (Optionally, you can bake about 7 minutes after uncovering, then flip sheets over and bake until brown on the other side, another 7 minutes.)
- Transfer to cooling rack and cool completely before cutting.
- Square the sheets by trimming uneven edges off sheets using a sharp serrated knife with light sawing motion to keep the pastry from breaking. Cut each rectangle crosswise into 3 equal smaller rectangles. Use 3 small rectangles per pastry.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 683 calories, Carbohydrate 57.3 g, Fat 46.7 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 8.9 g, SaturatedFat 11.8 g, Sodium 305 mg, Sugar 3 g
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A Simply Grand Napoleon Dessert Recipe
A Napoleon dessert is a classic French pastry that is composed of layers of puff pastry and pastry cream, topped with a glaze or powdered sugar. This elegant dessert is perfect for impressing guests at a dinner party or treating yourself to a special treat.
The History of the Napoleon Dessert
The Napoleon dessert, also known as a Mille-Feuille in French, has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. It is said to have been created by the French pastry chef, Marie-Antoine Carême, who is considered to be one of the most influential chefs of his time.
Carême is credited with revolutionizing French cuisine and is known for his intricate and decorative pastry creations. He created the Napoleon dessert as a way to showcase his skill in pastry making and to impress the royal courts that he served.
The Ingredients of a Napoleon Dessert
The key ingredients of a Napoleon dessert are puff pastry and pastry cream. Puff pastry is a light, flaky pastry that is made by layering butter between layers of dough and then folding and rolling the dough multiple times to create a multitude of layers. Pastry cream is a thick custard that is made with milk, eggs, sugar, and cornstarch.
In addition to puff pastry and pastry cream, a Napoleon dessert may be flavored with a variety of ingredients including vanilla, chocolate, caramel, or fruit. The glaze or powdered sugar on top of the dessert adds the finishing touch.
The Process of Making a Napoleon Dessert
To make a Napoleon dessert, you will need to begin by making the puff pastry dough. Once the dough is ready, it is rolled out into thin sheets and baked until golden brown. The pastry cream is then whipped up and chilled before being spread onto the layers of baked puff pastry.
The layers of puff pastry and pastry cream are then stacked on top of one another, with a layer of glaze or powdered sugar on top. The finished result is a beautiful and decadent dessert that is sure to impress.
Tips for Making a Great Napoleon Dessert
• Use high-quality ingredients - The quality of the ingredients you use will directly affect the taste and texture of your Napoleon dessert.
• Be patient - Making puff pastry and pastry cream can be time-consuming. Be patient and allow yourself enough time to properly prepare each component.
• Cut the Napoleon dessert carefully - The layers of puff pastry and pastry cream can be delicate, so it's important to use a sharp knife and a gentle touch when cutting the dessert into portions.
• Chill the Napoleon dessert before serving - Allowing the dessert to chill in the fridge for a few hours before serving will help the flavors to meld together and make cutting the dessert easier.
The Versatility of a Napoleon Dessert
The beauty of a Napoleon dessert is that it can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you prefer a classic vanilla-flavored pastry cream, or a more adventurous flavor like matcha or lavender, the possibilities are endless.
You can also play around with the presentation of the dessert. For example, instead of a traditional rectangular shape, you could make small, individual Napoleon desserts or even create a round cake version of the dessert.
The Bottom Line
A Napoleon dessert is a classic French pastry that is both elegant and delicious. While it may take some time and effort to prepare, the end result is worth it. Whether you're looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself to a special dessert, a Napoleon is sure to satisfy.