Save Plateau Cygne Pâtisseries Aériennes offers an exquisite experience, showcasing delicate, airy French pastries shaped like graceful swans. These charming mini pastries bring elegance and whimsy to any refined afternoon tea or festive dessert buffet, combining light choux pastry and fragrant vanilla Chantilly cream with optional fresh berries and floral garnishes.
Save This recipe combines classic French techniques with creative assembly to transform simple ingredients into a captivating dessert. The choux pastry is gently baked to achieve golden firmness for the bodies and delicate necks, while the Chantilly cream lends a smooth, sweet contrast. The final dusting of icing sugar and fresh garnishes complete the whimsical effect.
Ingredients
- Choux Pastry
125 ml water
60 g unsalted butter, diced
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp sugar
75 g all-purpose flour
2 large eggs - Vanilla Chantilly Cream
250 ml heavy cream (cold)
25 g icing sugar
1 tsp pure vanilla extract - Garnishes & Assembly
2 tbsp icing sugar (for dusting)
Fresh berries (raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries), optional
Edible flowers, optional
Mint leaves, optional
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line two baking trays with parchment paper.
- 2. Prepare choux base
- In a saucepan, combine water, butter, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- 3. Add flour
- Remove from heat and add flour all at once. Stir vigorously until mixture forms a ball and pulls away from sides.
- 4. Dry the dough
- Return pan to low heat, stirring for 1-2 minutes to dry the dough slightly.
- 5. Incorporate eggs
- Transfer dough to a bowl. Beat in eggs one at a time until smooth and glossy.
- 6. Pipe pastry shapes
- Spoon choux pastry into a piping bag fitted with a large plain tip. Pipe 12 small ovals (approx. 6 cm) for swan bodies and 12 small S-shaped necks on the prepared trays.
- 7. Bake
- Bake the bodies for 25 minutes until golden and firm. Bake the necks for 10-12 minutes. Cool completely.
- 8. Make Chantilly cream
- Whisk heavy cream, icing sugar, and vanilla to stiff peaks. Transfer to a piping bag with a star tip.
- 9. Prepare bodies
- Slice the top third off each choux body. Cut the tops in half lengthwise to form wings.
- 10. Assemble swans
- Pipe Chantilly cream onto each choux base. Insert an S-shaped neck and arrange the two wing pieces on either side to resemble a swan.
- 11. Finish
- Dust with icing sugar. Decorate platter with berries, edible flowers, and mint leaves as desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Prepare all components in advance but assemble the swans just before serving to keep the pastry crisp and the Chantilly cream fresh. Use parchment paper for easy cleanup, and ensure the cream is well chilled for better piping definition.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a chocolate variation, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the assembled swans for extra decadence. Adjust garnishes by swapping berries for edible flowers or nuts for texture, keeping in mind allergen considerations.
Serviervorschläge
These pastries pair beautifully with a glass of Champagne or a light Moscato, enhancing their delicate flavors. Arrange on a decorative platter surrounded by fresh berries and mint leaves for a stunning centerpiece dessert.
Save Embrace the artistry and finesse of French patisserie with these Plateau Cygne Pâtisseries Aériennes, impressing guests with both taste and exquisite presentation. Their lightness and charm make them a timeless choice for sophisticated celebrations and joyful gatherings.
Kitchen Tips & Answers
- → What type of dough is used for these pastries?
They are made from choux pastry, a classic French dough known for its airy and light texture after baking.
- → How is the creamy topping prepared?
The topping is a vanilla Chantilly cream made by whisking cold heavy cream with icing sugar and pure vanilla to stiff peaks.
- → Can these pastries be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, components can be baked and whipped in advance, with assembly done shortly before serving to maintain freshness.
- → Are there any recommended garnishes?
Fresh berries, edible flowers, and mint leaves provide color, flavor, and a festive touch to the presentation.
- → Is there a way to add a chocolate element?
A drizzle of melted dark chocolate over assembled pastries adds a rich variation to the delicate flavors.