To make a perfect mille-feuille, prepare puff pastry by rolling it out and baking until golden brown. Make the vanilla pastry cream by simmering milk and heavy cream with vanilla bean seeds, then whisking in a mixture of sugar, flour, cornstarch, and egg yolks. Assemble the mille-feuille by layering the chilled puff pastry and pastry cream, then chilling before slicing and serving. Precision and patience are key to mastering this delightful dessert.
Making a Perfect Mille-Feuille
A mille-feuille, also known as a Napoleon or custard slice, is a classic French pastry that consists of layers of crisp puff pastry alternating with layers of creamy filling, usually vanilla pastry cream. Here's a step-by-step guide to making a perfect mille-feuille:
Ingredients:
For the Puff Pastry:
- 1 recipe puff pastry dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Egg wash (1 egg beaten with a pinch of salt)
For the Vanilla Pastry Cream:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 vanilla bean, split and scraped
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Tools:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Pastry brush
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer
- Spatula
- Offset spatula (optional)
Process:
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
1. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a large square or rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick.
2. Trim the edges to make straight and even.
3. Transfer the pastry to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the surface with egg wash.
5. Dock the pastry with a fork to prevent it from rising too much in the oven.
6. Chill the pastry in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to relax the gluten and prevent shrinkage.
Step 2: Bake the Puff Pastry
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake the chilled pastry until golden brown and fully cooked, about 20-25 minutes.
3. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 3: Make the Vanilla Pastry Cream
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, and vanilla bean seeds over medium heat. Bring to a simmer.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, and cornstarch. Add the egg yolks and whisk until smooth.
3. Temper the egg mixture by slowly pouring a small amount of the hot milk mixture into the eggs while whisking constantly.
4. Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan and return to medium heat.
5. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil. Remove from heat.
6. Stir in the softened butter until fully incorporated.
7. Strain the pastry cream through a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl to remove any lumps or vanilla bean pieces.
8. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pastry cream to prevent a skin from forming. Chill until cold.
Step 4: Assemble the Mille-Feuille
1. Once the puff pastry and pastry cream are both cold, it's time to assemble the mille-feuille.
2. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, trim the edges of the puff pastry to make sure they are straight.
3. Cut the pastry into three equal pieces. These will be your layers.
4. On the first layer of pastry, spread half of the pastry cream evenly using an offset spatula or regular spatula.
5. Gently place the second layer of pastry on top of the cream.
6. Spread the remaining pastry cream on top of the second layer.
7. Top with the third layer of pastry.
8. Optionally, dust the top of the mille-feuille with powdered sugar and/or decorate with chocolate ganache or whipped cream.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
1. Let the assembled mille-feuille chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
2. Slice the mille-feuille into portions using a serrated knife for cleaner cuts.
3. Serve and enjoy your perfectly made mille-feuille!
Remember, precision and patience are key when making a mille-feuille. Practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if your first attempt isn't flawless. With time and experience, you'll master this delightful dessert.