Piste de Train Mignardises (Print view)

An elegant selection of miniature French pastries artfully presented on a train-track platter.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Choux Pastry

01 - 1/4 cup water
02 - 1/4 cup whole milk
03 - 3 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
04 - 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
05 - Pinch of salt
06 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
07 - 2 large eggs

→ Chocolate Ganache

08 - 3.5 oz dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa), chopped
09 - 6 tbsp heavy cream

→ Mini Financiers

10 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter
11 - 1/3 cup almond flour
12 - 3 tbsp powdered sugar
13 - 2 1/2 tbsp all-purpose flour
14 - Pinch of salt
15 - 2 large egg whites

→ Fruit Tartlets

16 - 3.5 oz sweet shortcrust pastry (pâte sucrée)
17 - 5 tbsp pastry cream
18 - 1 1/2 oz assorted fresh berries (raspberries, blueberries, strawberries)

→ Decoration

19 - 1 1/2 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting)
20 - 1 tbsp edible gold leaf or silver pearls (optional)

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium saucepan, combine water, milk, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat, add flour, and stir vigorously until dough forms. Return to heat and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly. Transfer to a bowl, cool slightly, then beat in eggs one at a time until smooth and glossy.
03 - Pipe small rounds onto a baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until puffed and golden. Let cool completely.
04 - Heat heavy cream just until simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate, let stand for 1 minute, then stir until glossy and smooth. Allow to cool to room temperature.
05 - Melt butter until golden brown (beurre noisette). Cool slightly. In a bowl, mix almond flour, powdered 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.
06 - Roll out sweet shortcrust pastry and cut into small rounds. Press into mini tartlet molds. Prick bases and bake blind at 350°F for 10–12 minutes. Cool, then fill with pastry cream and top with assorted berries.
07 - Arrange choux puffs filled or dipped with ganache, financiers as train cars, and tartlets as stations on a large platter to resemble a winding train track. Dust with powdered sugar and adorn with edible gold leaf or silver pearls for an elegant finish.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Beautifully combines classic French pastry techniques with playful presentation.
  • Offers a variety of textures and flavors in miniature bites.
  • Perfect for impressing guests at celebrations or elegant tea times.
  • Vegetarian-friendly and adaptable with seasonal fruits.
02 -
  • Ensure eggs for choux are at room temperature for easier incorporation.
  • Use beurre noisette (browned butter) for financiers to enhance nuttiness.
  • Blind bake tartlet shells thoroughly to avoid sogginess.
  • Cool ganache before dipping choux to maintain definition and texture.
  • Dust powdered sugar just before serving to preserve freshness and appearance.
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