Paris Brest En Forme De Chiffre

Have you ever had the pleasure of trying a Paris Brest En Forme De Chiffre? This delectable French pastry is a true work of art, both visually and gastronomically. Its unique shape, resembling a bicycle wheel, and its rich, creamy filling make it a favorite among dessert lovers.

History of the Paris Brest En Forme De Chiffre

The Paris Brest En Forme De Chiffre was created in 1910 by Louis Durand, a pastry chef from Maisons-Laffitte, France. The story goes that Durand was inspired by the inaugural Paris-Brest-Paris bicycle race, which took place that same year. He wanted to create a pastry that would celebrate the race and its participants.

Ingredients and Preparation

The Paris Brest En Forme De Chiffre is made with a choux pastry dough, which is the same dough used to make éclairs and profiteroles. The dough is piped into a ring shape and baked until golden brown. Once cooled, the ring is filled with a praline-flavored crème mousseline, a rich and creamy custard. The pastry is then topped with sliced almonds and powdered sugar.

Variations on the Paris Brest En Forme De Chiffre

There are many different variations on the classic Paris Brest En Forme De Chiffre. Some popular variations include:

• Filling: Instead of praline-flavored crème mousseline, the pastry can be filled with other flavors, such as chocolate, vanilla, or coffee.
• Topping: Instead of sliced almonds, the pastry can be topped with chopped nuts, chocolate shavings, or fresh fruit.
• Shape: The pastry can be made in different shapes, such as a heart, a star, or a rectangle.

Problems and Solutions

One common problem with the Paris Brest En Forme De Chiffre is that the choux pastry dough can be difficult to work with. It is important to make sure that the dough is the right consistency before piping it into the ring mold. The dough should be thick enough to hold its shape, but not too thick that it is difficult to pipe.

Another common problem is that the crème mousseline filling can be too runny. To prevent this, make sure that the custard is cooked until it is thick and creamy. You can also add a small amount of cornstarch to the custard to help thicken it.

Conclusion

The Paris Brest En Forme De Chiffre is a delicious and elegant dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Its unique shape and rich, creamy filling make it a surefire hit with guests. So next time you are looking for a special dessert, be sure to give the Paris Brest En Forme De Chiffre a try.