Petits Vol-au-vents. Recipe

History and Fun Facts:

Petits Vol-au-vents, also known as "little windblown," are a classic French appetizer that has been enjoyed for centuries. They originated in the kitchens of French aristocracy during the 18th century. The combination of delicate puff pastry and delicious fillings made them an instant hit at fancy gatherings and banquets.

The name "Petits Vol-au-vents" comes from the puff pastry shells' light and airy nature, resembling small windblown shells. These bite-sized treats became popular for their versatility, allowing chefs to experiment with an array of different fillings.

It is fascinating to note that the tradition of using hollowed puff pastry shells to hold various fillings has been around for much longer. The idea was initially applied to large Vol-au-vents, which were served as a main dish during medieval times. By reducing the size and playing with different fillings, chefs created the delightful miniature version we know today.

With their elegant appearance and delicate flavors, Petits Vol-au-vents quickly became a staple in French cuisine. They have since been embraced by chefs and home cooks around the world, who continue to experiment with fillings ranging from savory to sweet.

Recipe - Petits Vol-au-vents:

Preparation time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 petits vol-au-vents

Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten for egg wash
- For the filling:
- Savory option: diced chicken, mushrooms, cream, thyme, salt, and pepper
- Sweet option: vanilla pastry cream and assorted fresh fruits

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of 1/4 inch.
3. Using a round cookie cutter or a drinking glass, cut out small circles of pastry dough, approximately 2 inches in diameter.
4. Place the dough circles onto the baking sheet, evenly spaced apart.
5. Using a smaller cookie cutter or a small glass with a sharp rim, gently press into the center of each dough circle to create a small indentation. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
6. Brush the dough circles, including the edges, with beaten egg wash. This will give the vol-au-vents a beautiful golden color when baked.
7. Bake the pastry shells in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are puffed up and golden brown.
8. Remove the baked pastry shells from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack.

Savory Filling:
1. In a skillet, cook the diced chicken and mushrooms over medium heat until the chicken is cooked through and the mushrooms are tender.
2. Add the cream, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet, stirring well to combine.
3. Simmer the mixture for a few minutes until the cream has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together.
4. Remove from heat and let the filling cool.

Sweet Filling:
1. Prepare vanilla pastry cream following your favorite recipe or use a store-bought version.
2. Fill the cooled vol-au-vents with a small amount of vanilla pastry cream.
3. Top the cream with assorted fresh fruits, such as berries, sliced kiwi, or diced mango.

To Serve:
1. Once the vol-au-vents and fillings are cooled, carefully spoon the desired filling into each vol-au-vent shell, whether savory or sweet.
2. Arrange the filled petits vol-au-vents on a serving platter.
3. For a finishing touch, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over the sweet vol-au-vents before serving.

Enjoy these delightful bite-sized treats as an appetizer, finger food, or a fancy addition to a brunch or tea party.

Similar Recipe Dishes:

If you enjoyed making and serving Petits Vol-au-vents, you might also want to explore other puff pastry-based dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Beef Wellington: A luxurious dish where tender beef fillet is wrapped in puff pastry, often with the addition of pâté or mushrooms for extra flavor. This is a show-stopping centerpiece for a special occasion.

2. Mushroom Puffs: Create mouthwatering appetizers by filling puff pastry cups with a delicious combination of sautéed mushrooms, herbs, and cheese. These bite-sized delights are sure to impress your guests.

3. Apple Turnovers: This sweet treat features puff pastry folded over a delicious apple filling, often flavored with cinnamon, sugar, and a touch of lemon juice. These turnovers are perfect for breakfast or a satisfying dessert.

4. Spinach and Feta Triangles: These delightful triangular pastries are filled with a mixture of wilted spinach, feta cheese, herbs, and spices. Baked to golden perfection, they make a great vegetarian option for appetizers or snacks.

Remember, puff pastry is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various recipes, and experimentation is always encouraged to create your own unique twists on classic dishes.

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