Pin it Piste de Train Mignardises offers a whimsical journey through classic French patisserie, bringing a playful charm to your dessert table. These delicate miniature treats are artfully arranged to mimic a winding train track, making them a captivating centerpiece for festive gatherings, afternoon teas, or elegant dessert platters. Each element—from airy choux puffs and rich chocolate ganache to nutty financiers and vibrant fruit tartlets—harmonizes to create a delightful spectrum of textures and flavors.
Pin it This recipe captures the joy of assembling miniature desserts into a playful culinary display. The process invites creativity in arranging the mignardises like a scenic train, turning a delightful treat into an experience as whimsical as it is delicious. Whether dusted with powdered sugar or accented with edible gold leaf, these petits fours sparkle with sophistication and charm.
Ingredients
- Choux Pastry: 60 ml water, 60 ml whole milk, 50 g unsalted butter (cubed), 1/2 tsp granulated sugar, pinch of salt, 70 g all-purpose flour, 2 large eggs
- Chocolate Ganache: 100 g dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa, chopped), 100 ml heavy cream
- Mini Financiers: 60 g unsalted butter, 50 g almond flour, 40 g icing sugar, 20 g all-purpose flour, pinch of salt, 2 large egg whites
- Fruit Tartlets: 100 g sweet shortcrust pastry (pâte sucrée), 80 ml pastry cream, 40 g assorted fresh berries (raspberries, blueberries, strawberries)
- Decoration: 20 g powdered sugar (for dusting), 1 tbsp edible gold leaf or silver pearls (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 2. For the choux pastry:
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, milk, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat, add flour, and stir vigorously until a dough forms. Return to heat and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly. Transfer to a bowl, let cool slightly, then beat in eggs one at a time until smooth and glossy.
- 3. Pipe small rounds onto a baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until puffed and golden. Cool completely.
- 4. For chocolate ganache:
- Heat cream until just simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate, let stand 1 minute, then stir until glossy and smooth. Cool to room temperature.
- 5. For mini financiers:
- Melt butter until golden brown (beurre noisette). Cool slightly. In a bowl, mix almond flour, icing sugar, all-purpose flour, and salt. Whisk in egg whites, then fold in browned butter. Spoon into mini financier molds or mini muffin tins. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden.
- 6. For tartlets:
- Roll out sweet shortcrust pastry and cut into small rounds. Press into mini tartlet molds. Prick bases, bake blind at 180°C (350°F) for 10–12 minutes. Cool, then fill with pastry cream and top with berries.
- 7. Assemble the mignardises on a large platter or board to resemble a winding train track:
- Line up choux puffs filled or dipped with ganache, financiers as train cars, tartlets as stations. Decorate with powdered sugar and gold leaf or silver pearls for extra flair.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Take care to let the choux pastry cool sufficiently before adding eggs to achieve a smooth, glossy dough. When browning the butter for financiers, watch closely to avoid burning. Blind baking the tartlets ensures a crisp base that won't become soggy when filled. Arrange the assembled mignardises thoughtfully to enhance the train motif, making it visually inviting.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Feel free to experiment with choux fillings such as coffee cream or vanilla pastry cream to suit different taste preferences. Swap seasonal fruit in the tartlets for variety and color. For a playful touch, add chocolate rails made from melted chocolate or cookie tracks alongside the pastry train.
Serviervorschläge
Serve your Piste de Train Mignardises alongside a glass of Champagne or sweet Sauternes to highlight the French inspiration. Alternatively, pair with a delicate tea for an elegant afternoon treat that complements the light textures and flavors.
Pin it With its enchanting presentation and a medley of textures and tastes, Piste de Train Mignardises transforms classic French pastry techniques into an interactive and festive experience. Whether crafted for a special occasion or an indulgent teatime, this dessert train invites delight and admiration from every guest.
Recipe FAQs
- → What types of pastries are included?
This assortment features choux rounds filled with chocolate ganache, almond financiers, and fresh berry tartlets on sweet shortcrust bases.
- → How are the mignardises assembled to resemble a train?
The choux puffs, financiers, and tartlets are arranged sequentially on a platter to mimic train cars and stations, enhanced with powdered sugar and decorative elements.
- → Can fillings be varied for the choux?
Yes, fillings like coffee or vanilla cream can replace chocolate ganache to add different flavor profiles.
- → What baking tools are necessary?
You'll need a saucepan, mixing bowls, piping bag, mini molds for financiers and tartlets, baking sheets, and a whisk.
- → Are there any allergen concerns to note?
This collection contains eggs, milk, wheat (gluten), and almonds. Some chocolates may contain traces of soy; always check product labels.