Classic Napoleon
- All-purpose flour, for the work surface
- 1 3/4 pounds Puff Pastry dough (page 653) or Quick Puff Pastry (page 654)
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 2 1/2 ounces dark semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped (about 1/3 cup)
- 1/2 teaspoon corn syrup
- 1/4 ounce white chocolate, chopped (about 1 tablespoon)
- 4 cups Pastry Cream (page 655)
- Lightly flour a clean work surface.
- Using a rolling pin, gently roll out the dough into a 16 x 18-inch rectangle about 1/8 inch thick, being careful not to press too hard around the edges.
- Using a pastry wheel or sharp knife, cut the rectangle crosswise into thirds (6 x 16 inches).
- Transfer to a baking sheet; pierce the dough all over with a fork.
- Cover with plastic wrap; place in the refrigerator 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 425F.
- Transfer the uncovered pastry strips to the oven; bake until they are puffed and golden all over, about 14 minutes.
- Set a baking sheet directly on the pastry strips, and continue baking until the pastry is cooked through and well browned, about 6 minutes.
- Remove the top baking sheet; bake 4 minutes more.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Using a serrated knife, trim each strip to 4 1/4 x 12 inches.
- Make the glaze: In a small saucepan, bring the heavy cream just to a boil.
- Place the dark chocolate in a bowl, and pour hot cream over the chocolate; whisk until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is combined.
- Whisk in the corn syrup.
- Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl.
- Place the white chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water.
- Whisk until the chocolate is melted; let cool.
- Using an offset spatula, spread the dark chocolate glaze over 19 side of the flattest puff pastry strip, making sure to coat the entire surface.
- Place the white chocolate in a piping cone; pipe thin lines 3/4 inch apart across the width of the chocolate-coated strip.
- To create the distinctive flourish, gently drag the tip of a paring knife or a skewer lengthwise through both coatings, in lines perpendicular to the white chocolate lines.
- Begin at one of the short ends, and make each line 3/4 inch apart.
- Alternate the direction each time.
- Place 1 of the unglazed puff pastry strips on a serving tray.
- Spread half the pastry cream over the top, leaving a 1/2-inch border all around.
- Top with the remaining unglazed pastry strip; press down gently, and repeat with the remaining pastry cream.
- Top with a glazed pastry strip.
- Transfer to the refrigerator, and chill 30 minutes, uncovered.
- Using a long serrated knife, cut into 6 pieces, and serve.
flour, pastry, heavy cream, chocolate, corn syrup, white chocolate, pastry cream
Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/classic-napoleon-393087 (may not work)