French Pastry > Sweet Pastries

Pain aux Raisins with Orange and Cardamom Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into cubes
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest

Special Equipment Needed:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cardamom.
3. Cut in the butter using a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add the milk and stir until the dough comes together.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for a few minutes until it is smooth.
6. Roll out the dough into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.
7. Sprinkle the raisins over the dough and press them lightly into the dough.
8. Drizzle the orange juice over the dough and sprinkle with the orange zest.
9. Roll the dough up into a log and cut into 1-inch slices.
10. Place the slices onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Time:
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Temperature: 375°F
Serving Size: Makes 8-10 slices

Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 200
Fat: 8 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Protein: 3 g

Substitutions for Ingredients
- Milk: almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk
- Butter: vegan butter or coconut oil
- Raisins: dried cranberries, cherries, or apricots

Variations:
- Add 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture
- Substitute the orange juice with lemon juice and the orange zest with lemon zest for a citrusy flavor

Tips and Tricks:
- Use cold butter for a flaky texture
- Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking
- Use a pastry brush to spread the orange juice and zest evenly over the dough

Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.

Garnishes:
Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate.

Pairings:
Pair with a cup of coffee or a glass of orange juice.

Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve with a fresh fruit salad or a green salad.

Troubleshooting Advice:
If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If the dough is too dry, add a little more milk.

Food Safety Advice:
Keep the dough and baked slices refrigerated until ready to serve.

Food History:
Pain aux raisins is a traditional French pastry that is believed to have originated in the 19th century.

Flavor Profiles:
This pastry has a sweet and slightly tart flavor from the orange juice and zest, and a hint of spice from the cardamom.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve as a breakfast pastry or as a dessert.

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Region: French

Taste: Sweet, Fruity, Citrusy, Spiced, Nutty, Aromatic