Sunday, September 28, 2008

Daring Bakers Past Challenge - Croissants




Well... I did it. I made croissants! I have been telling myself to make them for over a year now and never got around to it. It was one of the first Daring Baker challenges and I figured now was the time to do it.

I wasn't too nervous about the dough since I have now worked with laminated dough twice (puff pastry and the danish braid). Besides being incredibly time consuming, making the dough wasn't difficult. I spent the better part of a day mixing, rising, rolling, chilling, rolling, chilling, rolling, chilling! I then popped the dough in the freezer and decided that I would wait a few days to make the croissants.


After about 5 days in the freezer I pulled out the dough and moved it to the fridge to thaw overnight. The next morning I started the process of rolling out the dough. Now that was difficult!!! Talk about an arm workout! I don't know if I should've let the dough warm a little, but I was too afraid of melting the butter. I finally rolled it out almost to the thickness required, but Eric was fussing in the bouncy seat and I decided it was time to shape the croissants and get him fed!


All shaped and ready to go

As a result of not rolling the dough enough, my croissants looked like they were on steroids. Oh well... no one is going to complain about a monsterous croissant! In addition to the plain croissants, I also made 4 Pain au Chocolat (chocolate encased in the croissant dough).

Mmmm... layers!


Chocolate anyone?

Now, I'm not one to toot my own horn but these croissants were AMAZING! So buttery and flaky! I realize that there is room for improvement, but I am so proud of myself for creating these. SO SO SO GOOD!!! I can't wait to share them with Nathan when he comes home for R&R! I will have the dough waiting in the freezer!


The recipe is freakishly long (about 5 pages) so I won't be typing it here. But, if you are really interested in making these (and I suggest you give it a shot!) let me know and I can get the recipe to you!

10 comments:

  1. The McBride FamilySeptember 28, 2008 at 6:02 AM

    They really tasted as great as they looked!! I am currently eating my leftovers from YESTURDAY's lunch! Thank you SOOOO much! I say it all the time but I love being the one that reaps all the benefits of your creativity in the kitchen!! The crossaints were DA BOMB!

    ReplyDelete
  2. The Bakery BoxSeptember 28, 2008 at 7:10 AM

    Those look beautiful! and hey! if I ever got a huge croissant like that, I wouldn't complain! lol. Love your site!

    ReplyDelete
  3. RuthSeptember 28, 2008 at 1:28 PM

    Wow these look amazing. I think its fantastic your doing the past challenges.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Brad and EricaSeptember 28, 2008 at 1:52 PM

    Hahaha... I second Monica! I am eating one of your croissants as I type this. I was going to go to bed, but unfortunately I left the croissants where I could see them, and I so I didn't get to bed without eating one. Mmmmm..... so dang good!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Clumbsy CookieSeptember 28, 2008 at 2:33 PM

    Oh wow! What a great job, they're so perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousSeptember 28, 2008 at 5:00 PM

    Your croissants look great! I went back and made this challenge too and really enjoyed it. I love the chocolate- I bet that was delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousSeptember 30, 2008 at 12:52 AM

    Those look fabulous! I'd like the recipe when you get a chance...and how you filled them with chocolate too :D Thanks Cristine

    ReplyDelete
  8. YSeptember 30, 2008 at 7:10 PM

    Mmm... chocolate croissants! They look amazing - well done! :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. MeganOctober 2, 2008 at 9:35 PM

    Very impressive - and I'd love the recipe too! Although, to save you time, I think I can get it from the DB website. If not, I'll be back asking for it!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. CristineOctober 3, 2008 at 2:31 AM

    Megan,

    Were you able to get the recipe? Let me know! :)

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for commenting! I love hearing what you think!