Creams A la Cluj

Separating the eggs is the first step in making a delicious and refined dessert, and this adds a touch of elegance to our recipe. We start by separating the egg whites from the yolks, being careful not to leave any yolk in the whites, as this could prevent the whites from whipping properly. We beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until we achieve a firm and glossy foam. This step is essential to give the dessert an airy texture. In a separate bowl, we whisk the yolks with the sugar and vanilla sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and light in color. It’s time to focus on the milk; we bring half of the milk to a boil, letting it come close to the boiling point.

In the second half of the milk, we add the cornstarch and mix well to prevent lumps from forming. Once the milk has begun to boil, we carefully add the yolk mixture, stirring continuously to avoid the eggs from coagulating. This is an important stage, as we want to achieve a smooth and homogeneous cream. Then, we add the milk with cornstarch, continuing to stir over low heat until the mixture thickens, having a consistency similar to that of a pudding.

As soon as the pudding is ready, we add the whipped egg whites, one spoonful at a time, gently mixing to avoid losing the incorporated air. This step will make our dessert light and fluffy. In a prepared dish, we place the first layer of puff pastry, pour the warm pudding over it, and let it cool completely. If desired, we can add a generous layer of whipped cream, which will bring extra flavor and a creamy texture, though this is optional. We crumble the second layer of puff pastry and sprinkle it evenly over the cooled pudding, not only for an aesthetically pleasing look but also to facilitate cutting the dessert.

It is essential to leave the dessert in the refrigerator for a few hours, but it is best to let it rest overnight. This cooling time will allow the flavors to blend perfectly and will enhance the final texture. Before serving, we dust with powdered sugar for an elegant appearance and a sweet taste. Thus, our dessert is ready to be enjoyed. Enjoy your meal!