Pin it An elegant assortment of miniature French desserts, inspired by the whimsical ascent of a hot air balloon. Perfect for festive gatherings or refined afternoon teas.
This platter reminds me of celebratory afternoons with friends and family, always bringing smiles and delight.
Ingredients
- Mini Choux Puffs: 60 ml water, 30 g unsalted butter, 40 g all-purpose flour, 1 large egg, Pinch of salt
- Chocolate Ganache Filling: 80 g dark chocolate, chopped, 80 ml heavy cream
- Mini Lemon Tartlets: 1 sheet shortcrust pastry, 2 large eggs, 80 g granulated sugar, 60 ml fresh lemon juice, 30 g unsalted butter melted, Zest of 1 lemon
- Raspberry Macarons: 60 g almond flour, 100 g powdered sugar, 50 g egg whites (about 2 eggs), 30 g granulated sugar, Pink food coloring, 60 g raspberry jam
- Garnishes: Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries), Edible flowers, Mint leaves, Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare Mini Choux Puffs:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). In a saucepan, bring water butter and salt to a boil. Add flour stirring until a dough forms. Cook for 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat cool 2 minutes then beat in the egg until smooth. Pipe 16 small mounds onto a parchment-lined baking tray. Bake for 20 minutes until golden and puffed. Cool completely.
- Make Chocolate Ganache:
- Heat cream until just boiling. Pour over chopped chocolate let sit 1 minute. Stir until smooth. Cool slightly then pipe into cooled choux puffs.
- Assemble Mini Lemon Tartlets:
- Cut pastry into 8 rounds press into mini muffin molds. Prick with a fork. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes until lightly golden. Whisk eggs sugar lemon juice butter and zest. Pour into baked tart shells. Bake another 10 minutes or until set. Cool completely.
- Prepare Raspberry Macarons:
- Sift almond flour and powdered sugar together. Beat egg whites to soft peaks gradually adding granulated sugar until stiff glossy peaks form. Gently fold in dry ingredients and a drop of pink food coloring. Pipe 16 small rounds onto parchment-lined trays. Let sit 20 minutes then bake at 150°C (300°F) for 12 minutes. Cool then sandwich with raspberry jam.
- Arrange the Platter:
- Place choux puffs lemon tartlets and macarons artistically on a large serving platter. Garnish with fresh berries edible flowers mint leaves and a light dusting of powdered sugar to evoke the floating festive spirit of a Montgolfière.
Pin it This dessert has become a centerpiece at family gatherings bringing joy and conversation.
Required Tools
Saucepan Mixing bowls Hand mixer or stand mixer Piping bags Baking trays Mini muffin tin Sifter
Allergen Information
Contains eggs dairy gluten (wheat) nuts (almond flour). Some ingredients may contain traces of soy or other allergens check labels if unsure.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 285 Total Fat: 14 g Carbohydrates: 34 g Protein: 5 g
Pin it This delightful platter will enchant your guests and elevate any occasion.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve perfect choux puffs?
Boil water, butter, and salt before adding flour to form the dough. Cook briefly, cool slightly, then beat in egg until smooth. Pipe small mounds and bake until golden and puffed.
- → What is the best way to make smooth chocolate ganache?
Heat cream until just boiling, pour over chopped dark chocolate, let sit one minute, then stir gently until smooth and glossy before filling the choux puffs.
- → How can I ensure lemon tartlets have a crisp crust and set filling?
Blind bake the shortcrust pastry rounds first until lightly golden. Then add the lemon custard filling and bake again until set for a crisp, tender tartlet.
- → What is the ideal texture for raspberry macarons?
Whip egg whites to stiff, glossy peaks before folding dry ingredients carefully. Allow piped shells to rest before baking to develop a smooth surface and chewy interior.
- → How should I arrange the platter for best presentation?
Place choux puffs, lemon tartlets, and macarons artistically on a large platter. Garnish with fresh berries, edible flowers, mint leaves, and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant, festive look.
- → Can I substitute fillings or flavors in this assortment?
Yes, you can swap jams or curds for fillings to customize flavors. Experiment with seasonal fruits or complementary flavors for variety.