Berry Napoleons with Honey Lavender Cream

Berry Napoleons with Honey Lavender Cream Recipe | French Cuisine

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Berry Napoleons with Honey Lavender Cream is a delightful dessert that combines the flaky, buttery texture of puff pastry with the creamy sweetness of honey lavender cream and the fresh, tangy taste of mixed berries. This recipe is perfect for those who appreciate the intricate flavors and textures of a well-crafted dessert. Whether you're looking to impress guests at a dinner party or simply want to treat yourself to something special, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

History

The concept of the Napoleon dessert, also known as Mille-feuille, has its roots in French cuisine, dating back to the 18th century. Traditionally, it consists of layers of puff pastry filled with pastry cream. The Berry Napoleons with Honey Lavender Cream is a modern twist on this classic dessert, incorporating fresh berries and a unique honey lavender cream to bring a contemporary flavor profile to a time-honored dish.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) puff pastry
1 large egg
1 tbsp whole milk
about 1 tbsp granulated sugar for sprinkling
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup mascarpone
0.25 cup lavender honey
1 cup sliced strawberries
0.5 cup raspberries
0.5 cup blueberries
2 tbsp fresh orange juice
0.25 cup confectioners' sugar

How to prepare

Preheat oven to 375°F (191°C). Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper, and set aside.
Roll pastry out on a lightly floured work surface to about 0.13 inch thick.
Cut 8 rectangles measuring 3x4 inches from the puff pastry, and arrange them about 1 inch apart on the cookie sheet.
Reserve any leftover pastry for another use.
Beat the egg with milk in a small bowl until blended.
Brush the tops of the rectangles lightly with the egg wash, and sprinkle with sugar.
Bake until golden brown, for 20 to 25 minutes, rotating the sheet after 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Remove from the oven, and cool on wire racks.
Combine cream, mascarpone, and honey in the bowl of an electric mixer, and beat on medium-high speed until thickened, for about 5 minutes.
Combine strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries in a small bowl.
Add orange juice and confectioners' sugar, and toss to coat. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes.

Assembly

Use a serrated knife to carefully slice each rectangle into thirds horizontally.
Place the bottom third on a serving plate, and add a spoonful of berries.
Spoon a scant 0.25 cup of the cream mixture over the berries, and cover with the middle section.
Repeat with berries and cream. Place the last third of the pastry on top. Repeat with the remaining ingredients, and serve.

Variations

For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream and mascarpone with low-fat Greek yogurt or a plant-based alternative.
Experiment with different berries or fruits based on seasonality and personal preference.
Add a layer of lemon curd or chocolate ganache for an extra flavor dimension.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Berry Napoleons turn out perfectly, consider the following tips:

- Keep the puff pastry cold until you're ready to use it, as this will make it easier to handle and help achieve a flakier texture.

- When making the honey lavender cream, be careful not to overbeat, as this can cause the cream to separate.

- Use fresh, ripe berries for the best flavor and presentation.

- For a more pronounced lavender flavor, you can infuse the cream with culinary lavender before mixing it with the honey and mascarpone.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Berry Napoleons chilled or at room temperature. For an extra touch of elegance, garnish each serving with a sprig of fresh mint or a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Cooking Techniques

Achieving the perfect puff pastry involves precise rolling and baking techniques. Ensure even thickness when rolling out the dough, and don't open the oven door too often during baking to maintain a consistent temperature.

Ingredient Substitutions

If mascarpone is unavailable, cream cheese can be used as a substitute.

- Agave syrup or maple syrup can replace honey for a different sweetness profile.

- Culinary lavender can be omitted or replaced with a small amount of vanilla extract for a more traditional flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

The components of the Berry Napoleons can be prepared in advance. Bake the puff pastry layers and store them in an airtight container. The cream mixture can be refrigerated, and the berries can be marinated overnight. Assemble just before serving to maintain the best texture.

Presentation Ideas

For an impressive presentation, layer the components in individual clear glass dessert cups instead of stacking them. This showcases the layers and makes for an attractive individual serving.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Berry Napoleons with a sweet dessert wine, such as Moscato or Riesling, which complements the sweetness and fruitiness of the dessert. For a non-alcoholic option, a lavender-infused lemonade would be a refreshing choice.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Berry Napoleons are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It is not recommended to freeze this dessert, as the cream and berries may not maintain their texture upon thawing. Reheating is not necessary, but if the puff pastry becomes soft, it can be briefly warmed in the oven to restore crispness.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of Berry Napoleons with Honey Lavender Cream contains approximately 450 calories. The calories are primarily derived from the fats and carbohydrates in the recipe.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Berry Napoleons with Honey Lavender Cream contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbs come from the puff pastry and the sugars in the honey, confectioners' sugar, and fresh fruit.

Fats

This dessert is rich in fats, with each serving providing about 30 grams. The fats primarily come from the heavy cream, mascarpone, and puff pastry. While high in fat, these ingredients contribute to the dessert's creamy texture and satisfying mouthfeel.

Proteins

Each serving of Berry Napoleons contains approximately 5 grams of protein, sourced from the mascarpone, heavy cream, and a small amount from the puff pastry.

Vitamins and minerals

The fresh berries in this recipe provide a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese. These nutrients contribute to the overall nutritional value of the dessert, making it not only delicious but also beneficial in small amounts.

Alergens

This recipe contains common allergens such as gluten (from the puff pastry), eggs, and dairy. Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should avoid this dessert or seek suitable substitutions.

Summary

Overall, Berry Napoleons with Honey Lavender Cream is a decadent dessert that is high in fats and carbohydrates. While it does provide some nutritional benefits from the fresh berries, it is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Berry Napoleons with Honey Lavender Cream is a sophisticated and flavorful dessert that combines the classic elegance of French pastry with the fresh, vibrant flavors of berries and the unique twist of honey lavender cream. While indulgent, it can be a delightful treat for special occasions or as a way to elevate a simple meal. With careful preparation and attention to detail, this dessert is sure to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a warm summer day many years ago, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in her quaint little cottage. Margaret was known for her exquisite taste in cooking, and I always looked forward to our culinary adventures together.

On that particular day, Margaret had a surprise for me. As we sat down for tea in her cozy kitchen, she reached into her recipe box and pulled out a faded, stained card. "I found this old recipe for Berry Napoleons with Honey Lavender Cream," she said with a twinkle in her eye. "It's a family recipe that has been passed down for generations. I thought you might like to try it."

I was immediately intrigued. The combination of sweet berries, delicate pastry, and fragrant lavender sounded absolutely divine. Margaret handed me the recipe card, and I carefully studied the instructions. It seemed like a complicated dish to make, but I was determined to give it a try.

Margaret and I spent the afternoon gathering fresh berries from her garden and preparing the ingredients for the Napoleons. The scent of lavender filled the air as we infused the cream with honey and dried lavender blossoms. The pastry dough was rolled out and baked to golden perfection, and the berries were macerated in sugar and lemon juice to bring out their natural sweetness.

As we assembled the Napoleons, layering the pastry with the honey lavender cream and fresh berries, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. This was more than just a recipe - it was a labor of love, a tribute to the time-honored tradition of home cooking.

When we finally sat down to enjoy our creation, I was overwhelmed by the flavors and textures that danced on my palate. The crispness of the pastry, the creaminess of the honey lavender cream, and the burst of sweetness from the berries all melded together in perfect harmony. Margaret and I savored every bite, savoring the moment and the memories we had created together.

From that day on, Berry Napoleons with Honey Lavender Cream became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for special occasions and family gatherings, sharing the recipe with anyone who expressed interest. Each time I prepared the dish, I felt a connection to Margaret and the joy we had shared in that sunny kitchen all those years ago.

As I grew older and my own recipe collection expanded, the Berry Napoleons with Honey Lavender Cream remained a cherished favorite. It was a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create lasting memories, and to celebrate the simple pleasures of life.

Now, as I pass on this recipe to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will find as much joy in making it as I have. May it bring you closer to those you love, may it inspire you to create new traditions, and may it always remind you of the power of a shared meal to nourish the body and the soul.

With love and fond memories,

Your Grandma