Piste de Train Mignardises

A whimsical assortment of miniature desserts inspired by classic French pastries arranged to resemble a charming train track Perfect for festive occasions afternoon teas or as an elegant dessert platter

This recipe reminds me of joyful afternoons spent sharing delicate sweets with close friends it never fails to impress at gatherings

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&ndash70% 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 (pâté sucré) 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

Step 1 Preheat the oven:

to 180°C (350°F) Line two baking sheets with parchment paper

Step 2 Make 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 12 minutes stirring constantly Transfer to a bowl let cool slightly then beat in eggs one at a time until smooth and glossy

Step 3 Bake choux rounds:

Pipe small rounds onto a baking sheet Bake for 2025 minutes or until puffed and golden Cool completely

Step 4 Prepare 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

Step 5 Make 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

Step 6 Prepare 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 1012 minutes Cool then fill with pastry cream and top with berries

Step 7 Assemble:

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

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Sharing these mignardises always brings smiles and a warm feeling of togetherness in our family

Notes

Pair with Champagne Sauternes or tea for a delightful experience

Required Tools

Saucepan Mixing bowls Piping bag Mini muffin/financier molds Mini tartlet molds Baking sheets Whisk

Allergen Information

Contains Eggs Milk Wheat (Gluten) Tree Nuts (Almonds) May contain traces of soy if using certain chocolates Always check labels for hidden allergens

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This charming dessert always elevates any celebration making it both fun and elegant

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What is the choux pastry used for in this assortment?

The choux pastry is piped into small rounds and baked until golden, then filled or dipped in smooth chocolate ganache to provide light, airy bites.

→ How are the mini financiers prepared?

Mini financiers are made by blending almond flour, sugars, and browned butter before folding in egg whites. The batter is spooned into small molds and baked until golden and tender.

→ What fruits are used for the tartlets?

Fresh berries such as raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries are used to top the pastry cream filled tartlets, adding freshness and color.

→ How can the presentation resemble a train track?

The pastries are arranged on a large board to mimic a winding train track, with choux puffs as locomotives, financiers as cars, and tartlets as stations, accented by powdered sugar and optional edible decorations.

→ Can the fillings for the choux be varied?

Yes, fillings like coffee or vanilla cream can be used alternatively to customize flavor while maintaining texture.

→ What baking tools are essential for this assortment?

Important tools include piping bags for choux, mini financier molds, mini tartlet molds, baking sheets, and mixing bowls to prepare each component accurately.