Whether an elegant or casual dessert, or simply an afternoon treat, I have re-familiarised myself this month with the fact there is quite simply a pastry for all occasions. I only made a very small selection, but it has been enough to reignite my interest in pastry – and ensure I continue to include a pastry sampling (or two!) in my ongoing baking repertoire.
Until then, here is a summary of the basic pastry recipes I tackled during my pastry month, and my selected pastry desserts. I hope you enjoyed some pastry of your own this month, too!
Pâte feuilletée (or puff pastry) is the king of pastry. Light, buttery and decadent. The version by renown chef Jean Millet is outstanding. Puff pastry is time consuming to make, but you are certainly well rewarded for your efforts.
:: Tarte Tatin ::
This French classic is the ultimate dessert. Simple yet impressive. The taste is utterly sublime when made with an all-butter homemade puff pastry. A winner for every baker. { Read more here }
:: Mille Feuille ::
Mille Feuille, Napoleon, Vanilla Slice. There are many names for this messy-to-eat-but-oh-so-finger-licking-good pastry. Guaranteed to be all consumed within minutes. { Read more here }
The lightest of all the pastries, pâte à choux (or choux pastry) can be transformed into an elegant croquembouche or a simple profiterole or éclair.
:: Chocolate éclairs ::
The simplicity of the chocolate éclair certainly does not translate to boring. The addition of a light vanilla pastry cream and rich chocolate ganache glaze, provides a classic and mouth-watering dessert. { Read more here }
Julia Child’s timeless recipe for pâte sucrée (or sweet tart pastry) creates a spectacular vehicle for any sweet tart.
:: Lime-Basil Tart ::
The traditional citrus tart is given a twist with the addition of fresh basil. The fragrance from the basil is subtle but brings out the zesty overtones of the limes. These flavours pair especially well with a basic sweet tart pastry. { Read more here }
Crumbly and buttery, pâte sablée is melt-in-your-mouth good. This rich, sweet pastry has a delicate crisp and crumbly texture that seems to enhance the depth of any filling.
:: Strawberry and Pistachio Tart ::
The pistachio tart pastry produces an incredible aroma when baking. The nuttiness of the pastry is a lovely complement to the creamy berry filling. It is a perfect tart for a casual lunch with friends. { Read more here }
The most basic of pastry. An all-round baking basic.
:: Orange-Spiced Cloudberry Galettes ::
Pâte brisée is made distinctive by Sherry Yard with the inclusion of cinnamon, ginger and orange. The simple galette is quick and easy to prepare. Perfect for an afternoon snack. { Read more here }
August 31, 2009 at 9:11 pm
You have done a great job here! I totally enjoy all the dishes you bake!
August 31, 2009 at 9:22 pm
A wonderful roundup!
Cheers,
Rosa
August 31, 2009 at 9:29 pm
Format,content and visuals..Love your blog~
August 31, 2009 at 10:53 pm
That’s just amazing.
September 1, 2009 at 12:43 am
Fabulous Julia. So elegant & beautiful. It’s been a wonderful month following you on the pastry trail.
September 1, 2009 at 1:21 am
Wow. You are a force to be reckoned with. What an incredible round-up of treats. They can’t look any better!
September 1, 2009 at 1:25 am
Beautiful, and fantastic idea to round ups what you’re making during the month. It is very useful for your reader just incase they miss one of your post. Very clever Julia!
September 1, 2009 at 6:45 am
How nice! All look divine!
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September 1, 2009 at 10:47 am
I absolutely loved this entire month on your blog – so wonderful! While I wimped out and didn’t make puff pastry this last weekend, I swear I’ll make it soon! It’s the only one I have left out of your month of pastry 🙂
September 1, 2009 at 11:08 am
what a great month. I think I need a pastry month like this too
September 1, 2009 at 11:09 am
a month filled with delicious treats!
September 1, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Wow, what a month you’ve had! Do you need a dish washer? I work for food… 🙂
September 1, 2009 at 2:33 pm
Thanks Julia for sharing your wonderful pastries. You have a great talent and you are an inspiration to us all, both with your baking and your blog with lovely written words and photography. I love the way you write – as if you are talking to us. I’m looking forward to seeing more of your beautiful work. (Maybe even a book in the coming future???)
September 1, 2009 at 5:48 pm
What a fantastic idea to do a round-up. This page is yet another golden reference of yours I will keep and use often. What a beautiful and elegant presentation above – the photos, the layout, the fonts, your clear explanations of each pastry type. The only challenge for us readers is figuring out which recipe to try first. And then second. And third, and…! 🙂
September 1, 2009 at 10:43 pm
What a fantastic blog! Truely inspirational
September 1, 2009 at 10:58 pm
I honestly had no idea of the complexity and variety of French pastry but your month-long project is inspirational! How exciting to see and learn more about a basic (but somewhat intimidating) segment of the baking hobby!
Thanks for sharing not only the basics but recipes that look/sound delicious also!
September 2, 2009 at 9:32 am
Great roundup – they all look so beautiful! My partner’s been thinking about making puff pastry – but I’ve let him know it’s quite a bit of effort 😛 Nice work Julia – you’ve done such a great job!
September 2, 2009 at 9:35 am
You did so well in your pastry month Julia! So which one was the hardest? And which did you enjoy making the most? 🙂
September 2, 2009 at 11:28 am
oh, I just love this round up!! they all look just scrumptious!
September 2, 2009 at 1:53 pm
I love the elegantly presented round-up. It makes for a useful tutorial (not to mention huge inspiration) for your readers.
September 2, 2009 at 11:36 pm
love your round-up ^^ XOXO
September 3, 2009 at 5:23 am
I just love this round-up! Pastry month was so much fun to follow, and a great inspiration to the rest of us who are just beginning to dabble with pastries ourselves.
The design and layout of your blog is so beautiful, you’ve done such a nice job pulling it all together.
September 3, 2009 at 5:39 am
Damn you’re good! Those orange spice galettes look like they would be good for Thanksgiving. (For those who are sick of pumpkin pie)
September 3, 2009 at 10:45 am
Nice round up…love the idea 🙂 All the pictures as very pretty.
September 7, 2009 at 7:01 pm
I’m in awe of everything you’ve achieved in one month. I feel somewhat ashamed of being such a procrastinator ;P
September 14, 2009 at 11:06 pm
I’m suffering from a serious case of puff pastry envy! I’ve been dying to learn how to make it properly…
September 22, 2009 at 1:02 pm
What a beautiful post! Wonderful job on all of the recipes and photographs!
October 10, 2009 at 1:13 pm
[…] pâte brisée) recipes, Martha Stewart and Julia of Mélanger (who just experimented with various pastries during the month of August on her lovely blog), and got to work planning my own modifications. […]