Save to Pinterest Inspired by the whimsical ascent of a hot air balloon, the Montgolfière Dessert Platter presents an elegant assembly of miniature French treats. This refined assortment combines delicate choux puffs filled with rich chocolate ganache, zesty lemon tartlets, and vibrantly colored raspberry macarons. Perfect for festive gatherings or a graceful afternoon tea, this dessert platter delights the senses with a play of textures and flavors, capturing the light, celebratory spirit of a French fête.
Save to Pinterest This platter not only satisfies sweet cravings but also invites creativity in arranging the miniature delights. Each bite-sized piece offers a unique texture and taste experience, showcasing French pastry techniques and seasonal inspirations. The thoughtful garnishes of fresh berries, edible flowers, and mint leaves further enhance the visual appeal and add subtle fresh notes.
Ingredients
- Mini Choux Puffs: 60 ml water, 30 g unsalted butter, 40 g all-purpose flour, 1 large egg, pinch of salt
- Chocolate Ganache Filling: 80 g dark chocolate, chopped, 80 ml heavy cream
- Mini Lemon Tartlets: 1 sheet shortcrust pastry, 2 large eggs, 80 g granulated sugar, 60 ml fresh lemon juice, 30 g unsalted butter (melted), zest of 1 lemon
- Raspberry Macarons: 60 g almond flour, 100 g powdered sugar, 50 g egg whites (about 2 eggs), 30 g granulated sugar, pink food coloring, 60 g raspberry jam
- Garnishes: fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries), edible flowers, mint leaves, powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- 1. Prepare Mini Choux Puffs:
- a. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
b. In a saucepan, bring water, butter, and salt to a boil. Add flour, stirring until a dough forms. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
c. Remove from heat, cool 2 minutes, then beat in the egg until smooth.
d. Pipe 16 small mounds onto a parchment-lined baking tray.
e. Bake for 20 minutes, until golden and puffed. Cool completely. - 2. Make Chocolate Ganache:
- a. Heat cream until just boiling. Pour over chopped chocolate; let sit 1 minute.
b. Stir until smooth. Cool slightly, then pipe into cooled choux puffs. - 3. Assemble Mini Lemon Tartlets:
- a. Cut pastry into 8 rounds; press into mini muffin molds. Prick with a fork.
b. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes, until lightly golden.
c. Whisk eggs, sugar, lemon juice, butter, and zest. Pour into baked tart shells.
d. Bake another 10 minutes or until set. Cool completely. - 4. Prepare Raspberry Macarons:
- a. Sift almond flour and powdered sugar together.
b. Beat egg whites to soft peaks, gradually adding granulated sugar until stiff, glossy peaks form.
c. Gently fold in dry ingredients and a drop of pink food coloring.
d. Pipe 16 small rounds onto parchment-lined trays.
e. Let sit 20 minutes, then bake at 150°C (300°F) for 12 minutes.
f. Cool, then sandwich with raspberry jam. - 5. Arrange the Platter:
- a. Place choux puffs, lemon tartlets, and macarons artistically on a large serving platter.
b. Garnish with fresh berries, edible flowers, mint leaves, and a light dusting of powdered sugar to evoke the floating, festive spirit of a Montgolfière.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Taking time to cool pastries completely before filling or assembling ensures the best texture and appearance. Using a piping bag helps create uniform shapes for choux puffs and macarons. Pricking the tartlet shells before baking prevents puffing, giving a crisp base for the lemon filling.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a twist, substitute raspberry jam with other fruit preserves or curds to complement the lemon tartlets and choux filling. Consider gluten-free pastry options if needed. Vegan adaptations would require alternative ingredients for eggs, dairy, and white chocolate.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this dessert platter with chilled Champagne or a glass of Moscato d'Asti for a truly celebratory feel. Using a tiered stand for arranging the desserts mimics the shape of a hot air balloon, enhancing the thematic whimsy of your presentation.
Save to Pinterest This Montgolfière Dessert Platter is a celebration of French pastry artistry presented in a charming, shareable format. Whether for festive occasions or intimate gatherings, it promises both visual delight and indulgent flavors to enchant every guest.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I achieve the perfect puff in mini choux puffs?
Ensure the dough is cooked properly before adding eggs and pipe evenly sized mounds. Bake at high temperature until golden and puffed.
- → What is the best way to prevent macarons from cracking?
Allow piped macarons to rest at room temperature until a skin forms before baking. This helps create a smooth surface and prevents cracking.
- → Can the chocolate ganache be made ahead of time?
Yes, prepare ganache in advance and refrigerate. Warm gently before piping into the choux puffs.
- → How to ensure lemon tartlets have a smooth filling?
Whisk eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and butter thoroughly and strain if needed before pouring into tart shells for a silky texture.
- → What garnishes enhance the platter’s presentation and flavor?
Fresh berries, edible flowers, mint leaves, and a light dusting of powdered sugar add vibrant color and fresh aromas.