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Mixed Nut And Berry Puff Pastry Delight

Mixed Nut and Berry Puff Pastry Delight

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This Mixed Nut and Berry Puff Pastry Delight combines the perfect balance of buttery, flaky pastry, a sweet berry filling, and crunchy cinnamon-coated nuts, topped off with a creamy sour cream garnish. It’s an indulgent dessert that’s simple to prepare yet packs a lot of flavors. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a cozy treat, this dessert will surely impress.

Ingredients

For the Pastry Base:

  • Puff pastry: 800 g (28 oz)
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • Melted butter: 50 g (1.8 oz)

For the Berry Filling:

  • Berries: 400 g (14 oz)
  • Honey: 50 g (1.8 oz)
  • Starch: 40 g (1.4 oz)
  • Water: 20 ml (0.7 fl oz)
  • Cinnamon: 20 g (0.7 oz)

For the Nut Mixture:

  • Peanuts: 200 g (7.1 oz)
  • Walnuts: 200 g (7.1 oz)

For Garnish:

  • Sour cream: 100 g (3.5 oz)

Steps to Make the Mixed Nut and Berry Puff Pastry Delight

Step 1: Prepare the Nut Mixture

  1. Chop the Nuts: Coarsely chop the peanuts and walnuts. You want a variety of textures, so don’t chop them too finely.
  2. Mix with Cinnamon: In a medium-sized bowl, toss the chopped nuts with cinnamon until evenly coated. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Berry Filling

  1. Simmer the Berries: In a saucepan, combine the berries, honey, and water. Simmer on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries soften.
  2. Thicken with Starch: Dissolve the starch in a little bit of cold water. Once the berry mixture starts to bubble, slowly pour in the starch mixture while stirring continuously until it thickens. Let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Puff Pastry

  1. Prepare the Pastry: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface to fit your baking pan or cut into individual rectangles. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  2. Add the Nut and Berry Mixtures: Spread the cinnamon-coated nuts evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges. Spoon the berry filling over the nuts.
  3. Fold the Edges: Fold the edges of the pastry over the filling to create a border, preventing the filling from spilling out during baking.

Step 4: Bake the Pastry

  1. Brush with Egg Wash: Beat the egg and brush the edges of the pastry with it for a golden finish.
  2. Bake: Place the pastry in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. The filling should be bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

  1. Drizzle with Melted Butter: As soon as the tart comes out of the oven, drizzle it with melted butter for added richness.
  2. Add Sour Cream: Serve the pastry with a dollop of sour cream on top. This balances the sweetness and adds a creamy contrast.

Cooking Tips

  • Use Fresh, Ripe Berries: For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe berries. If using frozen berries, make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess liquid in the filling.
  • Perfect Pastry Texture: Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed before using it. If it’s too cold, it may not puff up as well when baked.
  • Check Doneness: If the pastry edges brown too quickly while baking, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
  • Even Nut Coating: For the best texture, ensure the cinnamon evenly coats the nuts for a consistent flavor in every bite.
See also  CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Variations

  • Nuts: You can swap the peanuts and walnuts with other nuts such as almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts to create different flavor profiles.
  • Sweeteners: For a more natural sweetener, replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
  • Berry Filling: While this recipe uses a mix of berries, feel free to experiment with other fruits like apples, pears, or stone fruits like peaches or plums.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the sour cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free yogurt alternative for a dairy-free version of this dessert.
  • Spices: You can add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the cinnamon-coated nuts for an extra layer of flavor.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought puff pastry?

Yes, store-bought puff pastry is a convenient option and works great in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it properly before using.

What other fruits can I use for the filling?

While berries are a popular choice, you can use a variety of fruits such as sliced apples, pears, or stone fruits like peaches and plums. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the fruit’s moisture content.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the berry filling and nut mixture ahead of time. Simply store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the pastry.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Can I make this dessert in advance?

You can prepare the filling and nut mixture ahead of time, and assemble the pastry just before baking. This will save you time on the day you plan to serve it.

Conclusion

The Mixed Nut and Berry Puff Pastry Delight is a delectable dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Its combination of flaky puff pastry, sweet berry filling, and cinnamon-coated nuts creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. With easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, this dessert can be made quickly and easily. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of tea or serving it to guests at a special event, it’s sure to become a favorite. With variations and helpful tips, you can personalize this dish to suit your preferences and create an unforgettable treat.

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