Delightful Pastry Ears

Delightful Pastry Ears are a simple yet indulgent treat that combines the flakiness of puff pastry with the rich sweetness of condensed milk and the subtle crunch of poppy seeds. These pastries are easy to make and offer a delightful contrast of textures, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve them as an afternoon snack or a special dessert, they are sure to impress with their golden, flaky exterior and plush, sweet interior. This recipe requires minimal ingredients, making it an accessible choice for bakers of all levels. The preparation process is straightforward, involving rolling the pastry, spreading the condiments, and a quick bake in the oven. It is important to use high-quality puff pastry to achieve the best results, as its layers are key to the flakiness of the end product. While these pastries bake, your kitchen will be filled with a tempting aroma that hints at the deliciousness to come. Once baked, these pastries are best enjoyed warm, when their texture and taste are at their peak. Customize them as per your preference, and delight yourself and your loved ones with this easy-to-make culinary delight.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

1 can of condensed milk
Puff pastry (yeast-free)
Poppy seeds

Preparation Time

Total time: 40 minutes (including prep and cook time).

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prepare the Workspace: Begin by spreading the puff pastry across your workspace into a long strip. If you have a small table, consider dividing the pastry into two parts. It's recommended to keep the pastry in the freezer beforehand for easier handling. If refrigerated, you may need to roll it out slightly with a rolling pin, which works just as well.
Spread the Filling: Once the pastry is laid out, generously spread condensed milk over its surface, ensuring an even layer that will act as a sticky base for the poppy seeds.
Add the Topping: Sprinkle the poppy seeds over the condensed milk-covered pastry. You can add as many poppy seeds as you desire, depending on your taste preference.
Roll the Pastry: Begin to roll the pastry from both sides towards the center until the two edges meet at the middle. This creates a scroll-like shape.
Cut into Pieces: Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled pastry into small pieces. These slices should be uniform to ensure even baking.
Prepare the Baking Sheet: Place parchment paper on a baking sheet. It is important not to grease the parchment paper with butter, as the pastry itself will release enough fat.
Arrange the Pastries: Place the sliced pastry pieces onto the baking sheet, leaving enough space between them to allow for expansion during baking.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to approximately 392°F (200°C).
Bake the Pastries: Insert the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake until the pastries turn a golden-brown color, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
Monitor the Baking: Keep an eye on the pastries to avoid overcooking. The exact time can vary depending on your oven.
Remove and Cool: Once golden, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the pastries to cool slightly.
Serve Warm: These pastries are best enjoyed warm, so serve immediately to experience optimal taste and texture.
Store the Extras: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Reheat if Needed: If serving these pastries at a later time, gently reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to refresh their crispness.
Adjust Sweetness: For a less sweet version, you can use a thinner layer of condensed milk or substitute with a light apricot jam.
Optional Decor: Consider dusting with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant finish.
Cleaning: Clean the workspace promptly to avoid the hardened remnants of condensed milk, which can be sticky.
Sharing: These pastries make a wonderful gift or treat to share at gatherings or during festive celebrations.
Experiment: Feel free to experiment with fillings such as nut butters or fruit preserves for variation.
Enjoy: Finally, savor each bite of your delightful pastry ears, celebrating the successful creation of a classic treat.

Tips

Freezing Tip: Keep the pastry in the freezer for better handling.
Customization: Adjust the amount of poppy seeds to your taste preferences.
Storage: Store in an airtight container and reheat in the oven if needed to regain crispness.

Nutritions

Calories: Approximately 150 calories per pastry
Protein: 2 grams
Fats: 8 grams
Carbs: 18 grams

Variations

Nutty Delight: Add crushed nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra crunch.
Cinnamon Sugar Twist: Swap poppy seeds with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
Vegan Version: Use vegan condensed milk alternatives for a plant-based option.

Serving Suggestions

With Tea or Coffee: Ideal to serve as an accompaniment to afternoon tea or coffee breaks.
Ice Cream Pairing: Serve warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Festive Touch: Add a dollop of whipped cream and fresh fruits for a festive dessert.

Best Places

Café de Flore - Iconic and stylish spot for pastries. Location: 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris, France.
The Wolseley - Classic European café with delightful treats. Location: 160 Piccadilly, London, UK.
Cafe Central - Historical venue known for delicious pastries. Location: Herrengasse 14, 1010 Vienna, Austria.
Demel - Renowned for traditional Austrian pastries. Location: Kohlmarkt 14, 1010 Vienna, Austria.
Tiffany's Blue Box Café - Offers a luxurious pastry experience. Location: 727 5th Ave, New York, USA.
Angelina - Famed for elegant pastries and hot chocolate. Location: 226 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France.
Ladurée - Legendary for macarons and French pastries. Location: 75 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Paris, France.
Pasticceria Marchesi - Offers high-quality Italian pastries. Location: Via Santa Maria alla Porta, 11/a, 20123 Milan, Italy.
Cova - Sophisticated Milanese café with exquisite pastries. Location: Via Montenapoleone, 8, 20121 Milan, Italy.
Sant Ambroeus - Celebrated for its selection of Italian pastries. Location: 1000 Madison Ave, New York, USA.