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Sugar High Friday #24: Petit Fours for Fall

Oct 23 by Anita 27 Comments

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I’ve already established my love for mignardises, so I couldn’t let another opportunity to make some little bites of delight, as Jeanne so aptly calls them, pass me by.

Of course, with petit fours, the question, whether you’re making or eating them, is not which one? but which ones? I think one of the most enticing things about petit fours besides their diminutive stature is the sheer variety of choices, the panoply of possibilities. Allow me a few shots from a party we threw during my pastry school days to illustrate the joys of too much to choose from:

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For the dessert lover who agonizes over the dessert menu and wishes she could try a bite of each, the petit four spread is like falling into Aladdin’s cave of wonders – every sweet thing you can imagine in a dazzle before your eyes – and you can have it all, as long as you’ve got room in your stomach.

So it should be no surprise that upon learning on the theme for this month’s Sugar High Friday I spent several days buried in cookbooks, wishing I could make every adorable little tidbit that caught my eye. Compounding the dilemma was the realization that not only are there many recipes for petit fours to be found, but just about any recipe can be turned bite-size if you have enough miniature cookie cutters, tins, ramekins, icing tips, etc., etc….

Finally awakening to the fact that I did not actually have several hundred mini tartlet tins or infinite time, I winnowed down my choices to an autumny trio of sweets:

Taffy Lady Apples

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How adorable are lady apples? They are like apples dreamed up in a child’s imagination: perfectly round, sweetly blushing red, and just the right size for the palm of your hand. They look so much like toys that I wanted to line them up on my shelf at home like I did with my dolls. Sweet and tart at once, lady apples are in season during the winter months, which is why they are also known as Christmas apples. They have just started appearing in the markets, and I thought them perfect for a tiny version of a caramel apple, as dreamed up by Gale Gand in her Just a Bite (incidentally, just about every recipe in that book could have been submitted for this month’s theme!)

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Honey Madeleines

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How to make something already delicate and cute even cuter? Make it smaller, of course! These mini-madeleines are adapted from Claudia Fleming’s recipe in The Last Course, and are a sterling example of the beloved cakelet: rich, buttery, and sweetly mellow from the addition of some honey. Perhaps it’s difficult to gauge scale in the photos, but these really are cuties – about an inch long, you can pop them in your mouth like candy, although it might be nicer to savor them with a cup of lime-flower tea à la Proust.  Just about every madeleine recipe I went through advocates eating them right away, and I must concur – they have an ethereally light, spongy texture that quickly fades upon cooling to a more simply fluffy mouthfeel. However, I have found that warming them up in an oven for a few minutes will restore them to almost-new so you can still enjoy them for a day or so after baking, at least.

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Hazelnut Crème Brûlée

Finally, an example of how a regular-size recipe can be rendered into the diminutive simply by changing the container: instead of presenting crème brûlée in the traditional ramekins, this creamy dessert is served by the spoonful, so you can experience the delightful crunch of the caramelized sugar crackling with every bite. This version of crème brûlée, taken from Regan Daley’s In the Sweet Kitchen, has a sublimely rich and nutty flavor from the hazelnuts added to the custard. She also adds crushed hazelnuts to the sugar for caramelizing, turning it into a praline that adds another dimension of flavor to the end dessert. Adapting the recipe to petit four status was surprisingly simple: by storing the finished custard in a container, you can easily scoop out portions with dessert spoons and torch them before serving time.

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Any one or all three of these would work beautifully for tea time, pre-dessert, or dessert itself. Alas, I’m already musing over the other recipes that I didn’t choose this time. But that’s part of the seduction of petit fours: you’re always wishing you had room for just one more.

Taffy Lady Apples

from Gale Gand’s Just a Bite

makes 12 apples

12 lady apples

1 1/4 cups sugar

1 1/2 tablespoons butter

5 tablespoons cream

12 pointed wooden skewers, about 6 inches long

Remove the stems from the lady apples. Push the skewers into the apples from the top, lollipop-style.

Place a silpat on a baking sheet, or grease the sheet well.

To make the caramel, put the sugar and 1/3 cup water into a saucepan. Be sure the sugar is covered by water and do not let sugar grains get on the saucepan walls. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat and cook until deep amber in color (be very careful as the sugar will be very hot at this point).

Remove saucepan from heat and stir in butter with a wooden spoon. Slowly add the cream and stir in. The mixture will start bubbling like crazy and then calm down. Let the caramel cool until it thickens a bit.

Holding the apples by the skewers, dip them into the pot of caramel and swirl to coat. Place the apples on the baking sheet to let the caramel set.

Honey Madeleines

adapted from Claudia Fleming’s The Last Course

makes about 2 dozen regular madeleines, or about 4 dozen mini madeleines

12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) butter

4 large eggs

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons dark brown sugar

1/4 cup honey (Fleming uses chestnut honey; other suggestions are clover, lavender, or wildflower)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cake flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

Make beurre noisette: melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat until some white milk solids separate and cook to a deep brown and the butter takes on a nutty scent. Don’t let it burn! Strain the butter into a bowl.

In an electric mixer, combine the eggs, sugars, and honey together with the whisk attachment until the mixture is pale and foamy, about 3 minutes.

Sift the flours, baking powder, salt over the egg mixture and carefully fold in with a rubber spatula. Add the beurre noisette and fold in gently. Cover the batter and refrigerate for at least 8 hours. This is important in helping the madeleines form that distinctive "bump".

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. If you don’t have a nonstick madeleine tray, butter your trays well. Spoon the batter into each mold – about 3/4 full is good, or your madeleines will overflow!

Bake for about 5 to 7 minutes, until the madeleines are golden brown. Let cool on a rack for a few minutes, then unmold and let them finish cooling. Madeleines are best served the same day, but you can store them in an airtight container and refresh them by placing in a 300 degree oven for a couple of minutes.

Hazelnut Crème Brûlée

from Regan Daley’s In the Sweet Kitchen

makes 20 to 30 spoonfuls

1/2 cup hazelnuts, toasted and skinned

1/2 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar

1 cup cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 large egg yolks

1/4 cup sugar

1 tablespoon cold butter, cut into small pieces

1/2 tablespoon Frangelico

Turbinado sugar for caramelizing

Put the hazelnuts and confectioners’ sugar in a food processor and pulse until the mixture is smooth and creamy, but not too oily.

Bring the cream and vanilla extract to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat. While you are waiting, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together in a large bowl and place over a bain marie (water should be just simmering).

Keep whisking the egg yolks and sugar together until they have thickened slightly. The cream should be coming to a boil at this point. Add the cream to the egg yolk mixture in small increments, whisking constantly. When the cream is all added, switch to a wooden spoon and continue stirring the mixture over the bain marie until the custard has thickened and coats the back of the spoon.

Strain the custard into a bowl and add the butter, stirring to help it melt and combine. Add in the hazelnut paste and stir to combine. Add in the Frangelico.

Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then pour into a storage container. Place in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight, until set.

To serve, fill spoons by scooping into the chilled custard. Round the tops with an offset spatula or your finger. Keep the filled spoons chilled (else the custard will start sliding off the spoons).

Cover the surface of the custard with a layer of turbinado sugar. Place the spoons on a baking sheet or other surface that won’t get damaged by a blowtorch. Torch the spoons until the sugar is melted and browned but not burnt. Let cool for a minute before serving.

Tagged with: SHF + Sugar High Friday + Taffy Lady Apples + Gale Gand + Honey Madeleines + Claudia Fleming + Hazelnut Creme Brulee + Regan Daley

Bite This!

Filed Under: Cakes, Custards, Fruit, Recipes

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Comments

  1. 1

    T says

    Oct 25 at 9:30 pm

    Regan Daley’s book is one of my “go-to” books for desserts…I absolutely love it! I also have the Claudia Fleming book, but am ashamed to admit that I haven’t yet made anything from it! I just love her recipes and combinations of flavors though. Maybe someday…As usual, your photographs of your desserts are bee-yoo-ti-ful!

    Reply
  2. 2

    Kat says

    Oct 26 at 12:56 am

    what lovely and cute treats!

    Reply
  3. 3

    Jeanne says

    Oct 26 at 5:38 am

    Oh. My. Word. What a fabulous contribution and gorgeous photos! I adore the idea of the spoonfuls of creme brulee – but all three look just marvellous. Thanks for contributing to SHF!

    Reply
  4. 4

    Bea at La Tartine Gourmande says

    Oct 26 at 8:53 am

    I think I need to sit down. Too many lovely goodies here. I would particularly die for the crème brûlée spoons. Beautifully done!

    Reply
  5. 5

    peabody says

    Oct 26 at 10:29 am

    Fantastic…I own the Gand book too. I sadly don’t think I have time for SHF this time around 🙁 Great job though…I love all food small…I feel less guilty.

    Reply
  6. 6

    L says

    Oct 26 at 4:06 pm

    oh, everything is so gorgeous… I have a handfull of the lady apples that I bought for photos… what a cool idea to make mini caramel apples! And the creme brulee on the spoons… simply gorgeous!

    Reply
  7. 7

    Julianne says

    Oct 26 at 6:16 pm

    Lovely! The apples are the prettiest, but the individual Crème Brûlée spoonfulls are divine!

    Reply
  8. 8

    sam says

    Oct 26 at 9:45 pm

    err…? excuse me…? how do I get on the invite list for your parties??

    Reply
  9. 9

    Scott at RealEpicurean says

    Oct 27 at 6:20 am

    Ok, ok, I admit it! I’m impressed already!

    On a serious note, you’re so right about the look of the apples – a perfectly appley stereotype, and a beautiful one at that.

    Reply
  10. 10

    maura says

    Oct 27 at 10:22 am

    These photos, as always, are fresh and beautiful.

    I love the idea of serving brulee in a teaspoon!

    Reply
  11. 11

    renee says

    Oct 27 at 11:14 am

    It’s almost painful to look at these pictures! I don’t know whether to marvel at them or burst into tears because I can’t eat them through the screen.

    Reply
  12. 12

    Ivonne says

    Oct 27 at 4:32 pm

    Anita,

    I am humbled by your brilliance! How I wish I could have attended that party. The only problem is that you would have had to physically restrain me from devouring all those goodies.

    You are just too sweet and brilliant. I love it all, especially the creme brulee spoonfuls!

    Reply
  13. 13

    faith says

    Oct 27 at 6:02 pm

    Wow! I love lady apples – their miniature size is irresistable. What a great idea for caramel apples – I bet they were a lot nicer to eat than regular caramel apples, too, which I always find unwieldy and difficult.

    Reply
  14. 14

    Molly says

    Oct 27 at 10:58 pm

    Anita, those creme brulee spoons are the sweetest, cutest things! Ingenious.

    Reply
  15. 15

    Mary says

    Oct 28 at 1:20 am

    Like always, I’m in awe of your pastry prowess!

    Reply
  16. 16

    Helen says

    Oct 28 at 8:16 pm

    I have been drooling over these since Friday and I am still speechless. The pictures speak for themselves. I love Madeleines as you know but I would run cross country to pop one of these creme brulees in my mouth. Gorgeous!

    Reply
  17. 17

    Bron says

    Oct 29 at 1:53 pm

    Everything is so gorgeous, love the cute apples and their pink bows!

    Reply
  18. 18

    johanna says

    Oct 30 at 5:56 am

    wow… you’ve really gone to great lengths for this contribution! although it’s hard to decide, my favourites are the spoonfuls of creme brulees… an idea i will shamelessly nick for an upcoming dinner party – i hope that’s OK!

    Reply
  19. 19

    ilingc says

    Oct 30 at 11:33 pm

    i love the apples and the spoons of creme brulees! never would’ve thought of serving them by the spoonfuls! yum!

    Reply
  20. 20

    Pille says

    Oct 31 at 2:11 am

    All your creations look wonderful, but I, too, am most impressed and tempted by your creme brule spoonfuls! What a great idea!

    Reply
  21. 21

    J says

    Oct 31 at 11:14 pm

    hi anita, what an incredible and incredibly beautiful spread! i have a huge weakness for anything and everything mini…not least because that means one can eat more of everything 🙂 you never cease to amaze!

    Reply
  22. 22

    Anita says

    Nov 9 at 5:08 pm

    T,
    Thanks so much for visiting – If you love Daley’s book, I’m sure you’ll love Fleming’s – give it a try!

    Kat,
    Thank you! I’m glad you like them!

    Bea,
    Thank you – I’m inspired by your own gorgeous styling!

    Peabody,
    I love Gand’s book. Don’t worry, other SHF’s in the future!

    L,
    Thank you! I’ve been told that the mini caramel apple idea has appeared in other places besides Gand’s book, but it’s such a good use of the adorable little apples regardless!

    Julianne,
    Thank you! I’m glad you like the little spoons – they were fun to make!

    sam,
    You’ll be on the next invite list – as long as you bring your goodies to the party!

    Scott,
    Glad you like the apples! I was so happy when they looked so pretty at the market – knew they would turn out well!

    Maura,
    Thank you! I’m glad you like the little spoons so much!

    Renee,
    Wish I could share food over the internet! Thanks for your compliments!

    Ivonne,
    Thank you! You’re too sweet.

    Faith,
    Thank you! The apples were fun to eat – and yes, easier than a full size one!

    Molly,
    Thank you! I had fun making the spoonfuls – glad you like them!

    Mary,
    Thank you! It was an inspiring SHF!

    Helen,
    Thank you for your lovely compliments! Wish I could have shared them in real life so you didn’t have to run cross-country!

    Bron,
    Thank you! It was tricky to get the right angle to photograph those long skewers!

    Johanna,
    It was a fun SHF! I am sure your creme brulee spoonfuls will be great, they are fun to serve!

    ilingc,
    I love how petit fours let you get creative with the presentation! Thanks for visiting!

    Pille,
    Thank you! The spoonfuls were fun to do, I’m glad you like them!

    J,
    Thank you! The more sweets the better, I agree!

    Reply
  23. 23

    Anne says

    Feb 15 at 5:38 pm

    7 years ago at Alain Ducasse in Paris, after a very long lunch and dessert, we were served espresso and on the side was a creme brulee spoon. I remember marveling at that “special touch” then and am once again excited to use that idea. Thank you. Your site is gorgeous.

    Reply
  24. 24

    Judy says

    Feb 24 at 11:00 pm

    Wow, the creme brulee bite is brilliant!

    Reply
  25. 25

    Lita says

    Nov 30 at 5:48 am

    This is why i’m getting more fat. I love everything especially the lady apples.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. spittoonextra says:
    Nov 26 at 6:56 am

    Does My Blog Look Glorious Or Wot?

    The final batch of photographs for this months Does My Blog Look Good In This foodporn photo competition. Meeta Albrecht Weimar, Germany http://whatsforlunchhoney.blogspot.com Pesto Spirals 1 http://whatsforlunchhoney.blogspot.com/2006_10_01_whatsforlu…

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    Sep 21 at 9:17 pm

    Does My Blog Look Glorious Or Wot?

    The final batch of photographs for this months Does My Blog Look Good In This foodporn photo competition. Meeta Albrecht Weimar, Germany http://whatsforlunchhoney.blogspot.com Pesto Spirals 1 http://whatsforlunchhoney.blogspot.com/2006_10_01_whatsforlu…

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about pastrygirl

Anita Chu, also known as pastrygirl, is a baker, writer, and photographer with a passion for pastry. She trained at Tante Marie's Cooking School and is the author of Field Guide to Cookies, Field Guide to Candy, and Lollipop Love. Anita lives in San Francisco with her husband, baby girl, and rescue cockapoo Snickerdoodle. More about pastrygirl

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