Welcome to my blog! Let's step back in time to the Regency era, a period of elegance and grandeur. Picture high society soirees, lavish balls, and exquisite afternoon teas. Amidst the clinking of china and whispers of gossip, one could always find an array of delectable treats to indulge in. One such delight that might have been savored during this era is the Napoleon pastry.
The Napoleon, also known as the Mille Feuille, is a classic French dessert known for its delicate layers of puff pastry and rich, creamy filling. Today, I'm excited to share with you a new twist on this timeless treat: Napoleons with Vanilla Custard and Caramelized Oranges.
In the Regency era, custards were a popular dessert, often enjoyed at the end of a meal or during afternoon tea. The soft, creamy texture and mild sweetness made them a favorite among adults and children alike1. This vanilla custard, nestled between light, flaky layers of puff pastry, carries that same simple yet enticing appeal.
Ingredients:
- Puff Pastry Sheets
- 2 cups Whole Milk
- 1 Vanilla Bean, split and seeds scraped out
- 4 Large Egg Yolks
- 1/4 cup Cornstarch
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 3 Oranges, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
- Roll out your puff pastry sheets and cut into rectangles. Bake according to package instructions until golden brown. Let cool.
- In a saucepan, heat milk and vanilla bean seeds. In another bowl, whisk together egg yolks, cornstarch, and granulated sugar.
- Gradually add the warm milk to the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring until it thickens into a custard. Let cool.
- In a skillet, caramelize your orange slices with brown sugar until they're golden and sticky.
- Assemble your Napoleons by layering puff pastry, custard, and caramelized oranges. Repeat the layers and finish with a final layer of puff pastry.
This delightful dessert not only tastes divine but also makes a stunning centerpiece for any gathering. Just as the Regency folks would have relished their custards, you too can enjoy this decadent treat with your afternoon tea or as a grand finale to a meal.
