Are you looking for a beautiful and delicious dessert to impress your family and friends? Look no further than St. Joseph's Pastry, a stunning and surprisingly simple treat perfect for special occasions or a delightful weekend baking project. This recipe offers a guide to creating these iconic, flaky pastries, taking you from simple ingredients to a show-stopping dessert. Get ready to enjoy the delightful crunch and creamy filling of this beloved confection! This is one of those easy recipes that always delivers impressive results, making it perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike.
Ingredients:
For the Pastry:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ½ cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pastry cream (recipe follows)
For the Pastry Cream:
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Making the Pastry Cream:
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks.
- Gradually whisk a small amount of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks to temper them.
- Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer (about 2-3 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract.
- Pour the pastry cream into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and refrigerate until completely cool.
Making the Pastry Dough:
- Whisk together flour and salt in a large bowl.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
- Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Assembling and Baking the St. Joseph's Pastry:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out half of the dough into a large circle (about 12 inches in diameter).
- Transfer the dough to a baking sheet.
- Spread half of the cooled pastry cream evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
- In a bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream over the pastry cream.
- Roll out the remaining dough and carefully place it over the filling. Crimp the edges to seal.
- Cut slits in the top layer of dough to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.
- Let cool completely before serving. Enjoy your homemade St. Joseph's Pastry!
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use browned butter in the pastry dough.
- You can add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top before serving for extra sweetness.
- Feel free to experiment with different fillings. Lemon curd or chocolate ganache would be delicious alternatives.
- To make individual pastries, divide the dough and filling into smaller portions.
Nutritional Information (per serving - approximate):
This will vary based on the exact ingredients and serving size. For a precise nutritional breakdown, use a nutritional calculator with your specific ingredients. However, expect it to be relatively high in fat and calories due to the butter and cream, but it's a treat best enjoyed in moderation. This recipe provides a delicious and festive treat perfect for various occasions.
This easy recipe for St. Joseph's Pastry is sure to become a family favorite. The beautiful presentation and delightful taste make it perfect for any gathering, and the detailed instructions make it accessible even to novice bakers. Happy baking!