Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 sheets of puff pastry
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup of cornstarch
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Special equipment needed:
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry bag (optional)
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a floured surface until they are about 1/8 inch thick.
3. Cut each sheet into 6 equal squares and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Bake the puff pastry squares for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed up.
5. While the puff pastry is baking, prepare the cream filling. In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, and sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it comes to a simmer.
6. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, egg yolks, and vanilla extract until smooth.
7. Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling.
8. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens and comes to a boil.
9. Remove the cream from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
10. Once the puff pastry squares are cooled, cut them in half horizontally to make a top and bottom layer.
11. Using a pastry bag or a spoon, spread a generous amount of cream filling onto the bottom half of each puff pastry square.
12. Place the top half of the puff pastry square on the cream filling and dust with powdered sugar.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
5. Temperature:
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Serving size:
This recipe makes 12 servings.
Nutritional information:
Calories: 320
Total fat: 21g
Saturated fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 110mg
Total carbohydrates: 28g
Dietary fiber: 0g
Sugars: 12g
Protein: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use store-bought puff pastry instead of making it from scratch.
- You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version of the cream filling.
- You can use almond extract instead of vanilla extract for a different flavor.
Variations:
- You can add a layer of sliced strawberries or raspberries to the cream filling for a fruity twist.
- You can sprinkle chopped nuts or chocolate shavings on top of the powdered sugar for added texture and flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to let the cream filling cool to room temperature before spreading it onto the puff pastry squares to prevent the pastry from getting soggy.
- You can refrigerate the assembled kremówka for a few hours before serving to allow the cream filling to set.
Storage instructions:
Store the kremówka in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
You can reheat the kremówka in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the kremówka on a platter and dust with powdered sugar. You can also garnish with fresh berries or mint leaves for a pop of color.
Garnishes:
Fresh berries, mint leaves, chopped nuts, or chocolate shavings.
Pairings:
Kremówka pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea.
Suggested side dishes:
Kremówka is a dessert, so it doesn't require any side dishes.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cream filling is too thin, you can add more cornstarch to thicken it.
- If the puff pastry squares are not puffing up, make sure the oven is preheated to the correct temperature and that the pastry is not too thick.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to refrigerate the kremówka if you are not serving it immediately to prevent the cream filling from spoiling.
Food history:
Kremówka, also known as Napoleonka, is a traditional Polish dessert that consists of layers of puff pastry and cream filling. It is believed to have originated in France, but it has become a popular dessert in Poland and other Eastern European countries.
Flavor profiles:
Kremówka has a sweet and creamy flavor with a flaky and buttery texture from the puff pastry.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the kremówka as a dessert after a Polish-inspired meal or as a sweet treat for a special occasion.
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Region: Polish