Paris-Brest with cardamom cream

Paris-Brest is a French pastry that was created in 1910 by Louis Durand, a pastry chef in Maisons-Laffitte, near Paris. It was named after a bicycle race that started and ended in Paris, and followed a circular route through Brest, in Brittany, in northwestern France.

The Paris-Brest is made of choux pastry, which is shaped into a ring and filled with praline-flavored cream. The pastry is then topped with powdered sugar and almond flakes. Traditionally, the pastry is shaped like a wheel, to mimic the shape of a bicycle wheel.

However, in recent years, chefs have started to experiment with the Paris-Brest, adding different flavors and textures to the classic recipe. One such variation is the Paris-Brest with cream.

Cardamom is a spice that is commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. It has a sweet, floral, and slightly pungent flavor, and is often used in sweet dishes, such as rice pudding and baklava. When combined with the praline-flavored cream of the Paris-Brest, it creates a unique and delicious flavor.

To make the Paris-Brest with cardamom cream, begin by making the choux pastry. Mix together flour, butter, and water in a saucepan, and heat it over medium heat until it forms a smooth dough. Transfer the dough to a mixer, and beat in eggs one at a time until the dough is smooth and glossy.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, and pipe the choux pastry onto a baking sheet into a ring shape. Bake the pastry for 25-30 minutes, or until it is golden brown and puffed.

While the pastry is baking, make the cardamom cream. Mix together heavy cream, praline paste, and ground cardamom in a mixer until it forms a smooth and fluffy cream. Add powdered sugar to taste.

Once the pastry is baked, let it cool completely before slicing it in half lengthwise. Pipe the cardamom cream onto the bottom half of the pastry, and then replace the top half over it. Dust the pastry with powdered sugar, and top it off with almond flakes.

The result is a decadent and flavorful pastry that is sure to impress any lover. The combination of the light, airy choux pastry, the rich praline cream, and the fragrant and exotic cardamom create a taste sensation that is truly unforgettable.

Paris-Brest with cardamom cream is a perfect dessert for any occasion, whether it is a fancy dinner party or a casual get-together with friends. It is a truly special dessert that is sure to delight the taste buds, and is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of French pastry chefs.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a unique and delicious twist on a classic French pastry, you cannot go wrong with the Paris-Brest with cardamom cream. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, it is sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. Bon appétit!