When it comes to French pastries, the jalousie is considered a great culinary masterpiece. The name, taken from the French term for “jealousy,” alludes to the envious looks this pastry gets. A jalousie is not only a tasty treat, but also a visual marvel with its delicate lattice top and inviting contents. in this article we through the entire process of making this wonderful pastry, from the laborious production of puff pastry to the sweet, fruity filling and, finally, the precise assembly that makes the jalousie recipe a showpiece.
The Essence of Puff Pastry
Puff pastry is the base for any delicious jalousie recipe. The lamination process includes carefully folding and rolling several layers of dough and butter for a flaky, airy look.
To create puff pastry, mix together 2 cups (250g) of all-purpose flour.
- 1 teaspoon salt.
- 1 cup (225g) of unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 2/3 cup (160mL) icy water
Instructions:
Combine Dry. Ingredients: In a large mixing basin, combine flour and salt.
Incorporate Butter: Mix in the cold, cubed butter with the flour mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, combine the butter and flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Add Water: Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, stirring just until the dough comes together. Avoid overworking to keep the dough light and flaky.
Form and chill: On a floured surface, place the dough and form into a rectangle. Cover with plastic wrap and keep cool for at least 30 minutes.
Laminate the Dough: Shape the kept-cool dough into a rectangle almost 1/2 inch thick.
Fold it in thirds, like a letter, then rotate it 90°. Roll and fold the dough twice more, chilling it for 15 minutes between each one.
After the last fold, wrap the dough in paper and keep cool for at least one hour before use.
The Delicious Fruit-Filling
The filling for a jalousie can vary, but apples and berries are a frequent choice. This recipe has a lovely balance between sweetness and acidity, which enhances the buttery pastry.
- Fruit Filling Ingredients: three medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced.
- 1 cup mixed berries, including strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) of granulated sugar.
- 2 tablespoons cornflour.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice.
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence.
Instructions:
Prepare the fruits: In a large bowl, add the cut apples and mixed berries.
Filling Mix-ins: In a large bowl, mix together sugar, cornflour, cinnamon, lemon juice, and vanilla with the fruits. Toss to coat.
Let the filling sit for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the fruit to release its juices.
Assembly of the Jalousie
Now comes the interesting part—putting together the jalousie. This phase involves making the unique lattice design that distinguishes this pastry.
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, cut the puff pastry in half, making two rectangles almost 1/4 inch thick. One will be used for the bottom and one for the top.
- Filling: Place one rectangle on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the fruit filling evenly over the crust, leaving a 1-inch border around the limits.
- Lattice Top: Slit the second rectangle of dough into a lattice; cuts should be 1/2 inch apart.
- Assemble the Jalousie: Carefully place the lattice-topped pastry over the filling, matching borders to the foundation. Seal edges by pressing them together; crimp with a fork to seal and for appearance.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the top with egg wash-1 beaten egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water for that golden, shining look. If desired, sprinkle some sugar on top for extra sparkle.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and the filling bubbles.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and place it on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool fully.
Serving Suggestions
A jalousie recipe is ideal when served slightly warm or at room temperature. Its combination of flaky crust and rich filling is excellent on its own, but you may heighten the experience with the following accompaniments:
- Whipped Cream: A spoonful of freshly whipped cream provides a rich contrast to the flaky pastry.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over a warm slice of jalousie is sheer decadence.
- Custard: Pouring warm custard over the pastry adds a cozy and creamy touch.
Exploring Variations
While the typical apple and berry filling is a crowd-pleaser, you may experiment with different fruits and flavors.
- Pear & Almond: Replace apples with pears and add chopped almonds for a nutty flavor.
- Peach and Raspberry: Combine fresh or canned peaches with raspberries for a summery treat.
- Apricot and Pistachio: Diced apricots and chopped pistachios make an unusual and tasty combo.
Final Thoughts
The jalousie is a labor of love that generates a pretty and delicious dessert. Yes, the approach may be an effort, but the final product indeed is a delightfully baked masterpiece where creativity comes into view. Whether to keep to the classic filling or play with new flavor combinations, versatility guarantees that the jalousie will be impressive. Enjoy the labor of making this good treat yourself and appreciate each bite of your homemade jalousie recipe.
Tags: Jalousie Recipe