French croissants

French Croissants: The Perfect Breakfast Indulgence

Who doesn't dream of a perfect breakfast, with enticing aromas of butter and a flavorful coffee? French croissants are the ideal choice, a delight that combines a crispy exterior with a soft, flavorful interior. Although their preparation requires some time and patience, the final result is simply irresistible and worth every minute invested. So, get ready to become a true pastry master!

Preparation Time: 2 hours
Baking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Servings: Approximately 15 croissants

Ingredients

- 560 g of high-quality flour (Manitoba flour is ideal)
- 280 g of butter
- 120 ml of warm milk
- 20 g of fresh yeast
- 100 g of sugar
- 2 eggs
- 6 g of salt
- Zest of one lemon
- Vanilla (one pod or 1 teaspoon of extract)

Preparing the Starter

1. Activating the yeast: Start by warming 60 ml of milk until it's warm but not hot. Add the yeast and gently mix to dissolve it. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Forming the starter: In a bowl, combine the activated yeast with 100 g of flour. Mix until you form a small ball of dough. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 45 minutes.

Preparing the Butter

3. Kneading the butter: Cut 240 g of butter into small pieces and mix it with 60 g of flour. Use a knife or mixer to achieve a smooth mixture. Then, place the mixture between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it out with a rolling pin to a diameter of about 1 cm. Put the butter in the fridge to harden.

Preparing the Dough

4. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, remaining butter, remaining milk, lemon zest, and vanilla. Add the starter and gradually incorporate the remaining flour. Finally, add the salt. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.
5. Letting it rise: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rise for 1.5 hours.

Enclosing the Butter in the Dough

6. Forming the dough sheet: After it has risen, roll the dough into a rectangular sheet. Place the butter in the center and fold the dough around it, sealing the edges well.
7. Chilling: Turn the dough with the folds facing you and roll it out again. Fold it again as before, wrapping it in plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Repeating the Process

8. Repeat the rolling: After 30 minutes, take the dough out of the fridge and roll it into a thin sheet. Fold it again and put it back in the fridge for another 30 minutes. It’s important not to add too much flour to keep the butter in the dough.

Shaping the Croissants

9. Cutting the dough: After the chilling time is up, roll the dough into a sheet about 1 cm thick. Cut it into triangles, ensuring they are of equal size.
10. Shaping the croissants: Roll each triangle from the base to the tip to form the croissants. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them.
11. Rising: Cover the croissants with a clean towel and let them rise for 30 minutes. If you prefer, you can let them rise overnight in the fridge.

Baking

12. Preparing for the oven: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Beat an egg and brush each croissant for a golden and shiny crust during baking.
13. Baking: Bake the croissants for 15 minutes or until they are golden and crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Croissants are best served warm, alongside a flavorful coffee or a delicate tea. You can fill them with fruit jam, chocolate, or even cream cheese for an extra burst of flavor. If you enjoy unique combinations, try adding some slices of fresh fruit!

Helpful Tips

- Freezing: You can freeze the croissants after shaping them but before baking. When you're ready to serve them, take them out of the freezer and let them rise for a few hours.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with different fillings, such as chocolate, hazelnut cream, or even herb cheese. Be creative and adapt the recipe to your tastes!

Nutritional Benefits

Croissants are a good source of energy due to the carbohydrate content from flour and sugar, as well as the healthy fats from butter. Although they are calorie-dense, when enjoyed in moderation, they can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

- What type of flour is best for croissants?
Manitoba flour or a strong flour is ideal due to its higher protein content, which helps the dough rise and become fluffier.

- Can I use margarine instead of butter?
It is recommended to use quality butter, as it provides the characteristic texture and flavor of croissants.

- How can I make the croissants lower in calories?
You can reduce the amount of butter, but it is essential for the texture of the croissants. You may explore alternative recipes using vegetable oils or margarine, but the result will differ.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! French croissants are a true culinary art, and each bite will transport you to the refined world of pastry-making. Whether you enjoy them in the morning, at lunch, or in the evening, these delicious croissants will bring a smile to anyone's face!