Almond puffs, also known as palmiers or elephant ears, are a delectable French pastry that originated during the 19th century. These luscious treats are characterized by their flaky and crispy texture, obtained through a unique folding technique that creates layers of delicate dough. Typically made with a sweet dough flavored with almond extract or paste, almond puffs boast a delightful combination of flavors and textures that have made them a beloved delicacy worldwide. Perfect for any occasion, whether it's a casual brunch, a formal gathering, or a special celebration, these pastries are sure to impress and tantalize taste buds with their irresistible charm.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
ALMOND PASTRY PUFFS
This tender, nutty almond pastry is one of my favorite brunch treats. It looks and tastes so special, people won't believe you made it yourself. It's good that the recipe makes two! -Betty Claycomb, Alverton, Pennsylvania
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Brunch
Time 1h
Yield 2 pastries (11 servings each).
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine 1 cup flour and salt; cut in 1/2 cup butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add 2 tablespoons cold water; stir with a fork until blended. Shape dough into a ball; divide in half. Place dough 3 in. apart on an ungreased baking sheet; pat each into a 12x3-in. rectangle., In a large saucepan, bring remaining butter and water to a boil. Remove from the heat; stir in extract and remaining flour until a smooth ball forms. Remove from the heat; let stand for 5 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue beating until mixture is smooth and shiny. , Spread over rectangles. Bake at 400° until topping is lightly browned, 18-20 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan to wire racks., For frosting, in a small bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar, butter, water and extract; beat until smooth. Spread over pastries; sprinkle with almonds.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 189 calories, Fat 12g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 54mg cholesterol, Sodium 130mg sodium, Carbohydrate 18g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.
CHOCOLATE CREAM PUFFS WITH ALMOND CREAM
This makes for a very elegant dessert. You can make these ahead of time, early in the day, and serve them after dinner with coffee or brandy.
Provided by 2Bleu
Categories Dessert
Time 1h
Yield 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- ALMOND CREAM: In a nonreactive saucepan, combine the almond paste, 1 cup half-and-half and sugar. Whisk to dissolve. Place over medium heat and bring to a simmer.
- In a small bowl, combine the egg yolks, cornstarch and remaining 1/4 cup half-and-half. Whisk well.
- Remove the milk from the heat and add some of the hot liquid to the egg mixture and mix well. Add the egg mixture back to the simmering milk and place over the heat.
- Bring to a boil, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, whisking constantly. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter. Pour into a bowl and place a piece of plastic wrap directly on top of the pastry cream. Cool completely before using.
- CHOCOLATE PUFFS: Preheat oven to 400°F and lightly coat baking sheet with cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a medium sized saucepan over medium heat, combine water, butter, sugar and stir until butter is melted.
- Add flour and cocoa powder all at once; stir vigorously until mixture pulls away from side of pan. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Place or pipe 1/4 cup of mixture onto prepared baking sheet, spacing 2" apart. Bake for 30-40 minutes until puffed and firm. Allow to cool to room temperature before proceeding.
- ASSEMBLY: Using a pastry bag with a star tip, fill bag with Almond cream. Using the tip, pierce the side of a chocolate puff and begin squeezing almond cream into the center, slowly removing the tip and ending with a swirl as it exits the puff. Repeat with remaining puffs. (You can also opt to cut them in half horizontally and fill with the almond cream, then replace the tops like a sandwich).
- Place on a silver platter (metal will help keep them cool), cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Remove plastic wrap and dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
2 DANISH ALMOND PUFFS
I have been making this delicious Danish treat since the early 60's! I received this recipe from a close friend when I lived in Racine, Wisc. I always have extra recipe copies ready for my friends after they taste this in my home. Great for coffee clutches, or a breakfast treat for over-night company! I usually put frosting...
Provided by Nancy J. Patrykus
Categories Other Snacks
Time 55m
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- 1. Crust: Cut 1/2 cup butter into the 1 cup of flour.. to make a coarse mixture. Stir in the cold water. Shape into a ball, divide in half.
- 2. Put a paper baking sheet onto a cookie sheet. Then pat out each 1/2 into a 3x12 inch oblong crust on the baking sheet. Make a very small ridge all around the crust.
- 3. FILLING: Into a saucepan put 1 cup of water and 1/2 cup butter. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat and add almond extract. Quickly stir in the 1 cup of flour. Beat well. Add the eggs one at a time and beat well after each.
- 4. Spread this mixture onto each crust. Bake in a pre-heated oven 375 degrees. About 45 minutes. Until puffed and golden. Remove from oven.
- 5. FROSTING: Blend powdered sugar, salt, almond extract and enough milk to make a good spreading consistency. Frost while slightly warm. Sprinkle with sliced almonds. Cut into slices and serve.
ALMOND PUFFS
Steps:
- Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Line 3 cookie sheets with parchment paper. Bring a quart of water to a boil, add almonds, boil one minute, drain, slip off skins, allow to dry, lightly toast in oven. Reduce oven heat to 325 degrees. Process almonds until finely chopped. Beat egg whites until stiff. Slowly add nuts, sugar, vanilla. Drop by scant tablespoons onto parchment, leaving plenty of space between cookies. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, until pale golden. Cool 5 minutes, turn parchment upside-down, and carefully peel off. Cool cookies will keep several weeks in an airtight tin.
Tips:
- For a crispier puff, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- If you don't have a piping bag, you can use a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off.
- Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will help the puffs keep their shape.
- For a sweeter puff, add 1/4 cup of sugar to the dough.
- For a more savory puff, add 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the dough.
- You can fill the puffs with anything you like. Some popular fillings include whipped cream, chocolate ganache, and fruit.
Conclusion:
Almond puffs are a delicious and versatile pastry that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are perfect for a quick snack, a dessert, or a party appetizer. With a little creativity, you can create your own unique almond puffs that are sure to impress your friends and family.
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