Bled Cream Slices - Blejske Rezine

Bled Cream Slices - Blejske Rezine Recipe from Slovenia

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

Introduction

Bled Cream Slices, or Blejske Rezine, is a delightful dessert that hails from the picturesque town of Bled, located in Slovenia. This dessert is a harmonious blend of crisp puff pastry, a rich creamy custard, and a light whipped cream topping, all dusted with a fine layer of powdered sugar. Its elegant simplicity and exquisite taste have made it a beloved treat not only in Slovenia but also among visitors from around the globe. This recipe guide will take you through the steps to create this iconic dessert, allowing you to bring a taste of Bled into your home.

History

The Bled Cream Slice has a storied history that dates back to the early 20th century. It was first introduced by Ištvan Lukačević, a pastry chef who brought the recipe to Bled when he started working at the Park Hotel in 1953. The dessert quickly gained popularity among locals and tourists alike, becoming a symbol of Bled's culinary offerings. Today, it is an indispensable part of the local culture and cuisine, with nearly a hundred thousand slices sold annually in Bled alone.

Ingredients

2 parcels of puff pastry
6 eggs
8.3 dcl of milk
20 decagrams of sugar
10 decagrams of sugar for whites
10 decagrams of flour
2 parcels of vanilla sugar
3 dcl of sweet cream

How to prepare

Pinch the dough with a fork to remove air pockets. Bake the sheets in a very hot oven until they turn yellow and brown.
Separate the egg whites and yolks. Beat the egg whites together with sugar until they form whipped cream.
Beat the egg yolks and sugar, then slowly add 0.3 dcl of cold milk and flour. Boil the remaining milk with vanilla sugar, then slowly add the yolks mixture and mix well.
The best way to do this is by placing the container with hot water. Cook for 10 minutes until the eggs harden.
Continuously mix the mixture. Once done, remove the pan from heat and mix in the whipped cream. Spread the hot mixture over the cold baked sheets.
Allow it to cool. Beat the cream, sugar, and vanilla sugar together, then spread it over the mixture.
Cover with another baked sheet, cut into squares, and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Bled cream slices are well-known cakes sold in sweetshops and restaurants in Bled. They sell almost a hundred thousand of them every year.
People come from all parts of Slovenia and neighboring countries to taste Bled slices.

Variations

For a twist on the traditional recipe, consider adding a layer of fruit jam between the custard and whipped cream or substituting the vanilla custard with a chocolate or lemon-flavored custard.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Bled Cream Slices turn out perfectly, consider the following tips:

- Use high-quality puff pastry for the best texture and flavor.

- When baking the puff pastry, ensure it is thoroughly pierced with a fork to prevent air pockets from forming.

- For the custard, mix the egg yolks and sugar until they are pale and fluffy to ensure a smooth texture.

- Cook the custard over a double boiler to prevent it from curdling.

- Allow the custard to cool slightly before folding in the whipped cream to maintain a light texture.

Serving Suggestions

Bled Cream Slices are best served chilled. They can be accompanied by a cup of coffee or tea, making them a perfect dessert for brunch or an afternoon treat.

Cooking Techniques

The key techniques involved in making Bled Cream Slices include baking, whipping, and custard-making. Mastery of these techniques will ensure a dessert that is both visually appealing and delicious.

Ingredient Substitutions

If puff pastry is not available, phyllo dough can be used as a substitute. For a lighter version, low-fat milk and a sugar substitute can be used in the custard.

Make Ahead Tips

The puff pastry layers can be baked ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. The custard can also be prepared in advance and refrigerated until assembly.

Presentation Ideas

For an elegant presentation, dust the top of the dessert with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh berries or mint leaves.

Pairing Recommendations

Bled Cream Slices pair wonderfully with a sparkling white wine or a light dessert wine, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the assembled dessert in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 2 days. It is not recommended to freeze or reheat Bled Cream Slices as it may affect the texture.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of Bled Cream Slices contains approximately 400 calories. The calories are a combination of the dessert's carbohydrate, fat, and protein content.

Carbohydrates

A single serving of Bled Cream Slices contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbohydrates come from the sugar and flour used in the recipe, providing the dessert with its sweet taste and satisfying texture.

Fats

Each slice of this dessert contains about 20 grams of fat, which primarily comes from the eggs, puff pastry, and sweet cream. The fat content contributes to the rich and creamy texture of the custard and the flakiness of the pastry.

Proteins

Bled Cream Slices offer around 6 grams of protein per serving. The protein in this dessert is derived from the eggs and milk, which are essential for the structure and consistency of the custard.

Vitamins and minerals

This dessert provides small amounts of vitamins and minerals, including calcium from the milk and eggs, as well as vitamin A. These nutrients contribute to the overall nutritional profile of the dessert.

Alergens

The main allergens present in Bled Cream Slices include eggs, milk, and gluten. Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should exercise caution.

Summary

Overall, Bled Cream Slices are a rich and indulgent dessert. While they offer some nutritional benefits, they are best enjoyed in moderation due to their high sugar and fat content.

Summary

Bled Cream Slices are a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Slovenia, offering a perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and flakiness. This guide provides you with all the information needed to recreate this iconic dessert, from cooking tips to nutritional information. Whether you're a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, making Bled Cream Slices is a delightful way to explore Slovenian cuisine.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Bled Cream Slices. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Anna in Slovenia. We decided to take a trip to Lake Bled, a beautiful destination known for its stunning scenery and delicious pastries.

As we strolled along the lake, we came across a charming little bakery nestled among the trees. The aroma of freshly baked goods wafted through the air, drawing us in like a magnet. We entered the shop and were greeted by the sight of a display case filled with an array of mouthwatering treats.

One particular dessert caught my eye - delicate cream slices topped with a layer of golden, caramelized sugar. They looked absolutely divine, and I couldn't resist ordering one to try. As I took my first bite, I was transported to dessert heaven. The creamy filling was light and airy, with just the right amount of sweetness, and the crisp, flaky pastry melted in my mouth.

I turned to Anna and exclaimed, "This is the most incredible dessert I have ever tasted! I must know the recipe for these Bled Cream Slices."

Anna smiled and told me that the baker was known for being secretive about his recipes, but she had a friend who worked in the bakery and might be able to help. The next day, we returned to the bakery, and Anna's friend was able to sneak me a copy of the recipe for the Bled Cream Slices.

I was overjoyed and couldn't wait to try my hand at making them myself. When I returned home, I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen. The recipe was surprisingly simple, with just a few basic components - puff pastry, vanilla custard, and a caramelized sugar topping.

I carefully followed the instructions, rolling out the pastry, layering it with the creamy custard, and baking it until golden brown. As the slices cooled, I prepared the caramelized sugar topping, drizzling it over the cream-filled pastries and letting it harden into a crunchy, sweet shell.

The moment of truth arrived as I took a bite of my homemade Bled Cream Slice. The taste was nearly identical to the ones I had sampled in Slovenia - creamy, dreamy, and utterly delicious. I was thrilled to have successfully recreated this delectable dessert in my own kitchen.

Since that day, Bled Cream Slices have become a beloved staple in my repertoire of recipes. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, delighting them with the unique flavor and texture of this special treat. Each time I make them, I am transported back to that sunny day at Lake Bled, savoring the memory of discovering this delightful dessert.

I am grateful for the serendipitous moment that led me to uncover the recipe for Bled Cream Slices. It has become a cherished part of my culinary journey, reminding me of the joy of exploring new flavors and techniques in the kitchen. And every time I take a bite of these heavenly slices, I am grateful for the friendships, adventures, and sweet surprises that have enriched my life.