Paris is sweet on the eye and sweet on the palette. It is a sugar lover’s dream and the only problem you’ll have when it comes to the delectable French desserts is choosing just one. To help you navigate that yummy last course, here are six not-to-miss pastries for your visit to Paris. And, if you must eat more than one a day? Well, c’est la vie!
Oh, and by the way. You’ll find pastries at a Patisserie (pastry shop) not a Boulangerie (bread shop)!
One of the most popular desserts in Paris, the éclair is a long French choux pastry and can be filled with either a rich custard or pastry cream, and then topped with a sweet fondant. By definition, the term éclair means lightning in French. Go figure!
Macarons are undeniably delectable and there are so many flavors to choose from. The base ingredients include an airy meringue and almonds. Not to be confused with coconut macaroons, in which the English added the -oon to the word in the 16th century.
Mille Feuille is a fluffy treat of a vanilla or custard slice and with several layers of puff pastry. Between the puff pastry lies an additional two layers of pastry crème. You might be more familiar with another name for Mille Feuill – the Napoleon.
Cream puffs, or choux à la crème, are created using puff pastry as well. They swell while cooking and are hollow until the pastry chef adds an oozing center of whipped cream or custard. Toppings you can add include ice cream, chocolate, fruit, and even spun caramel.
Translated, petit fours mean small oven, and are also known as mignardises. The fours are miniature bite-sized confections that are usually sweet but can also be savory if you choose. The sweet version includes a sugary glaze atop a crispy biscuit. These pastries are perfect for tea parties.
The signature French pastry, of course, is the croissant. This buttery, flaky wonder absolutely melts in your mouth and is delicious plain. Of course, if you prefer a topping there are plenty from which to choose, including fruit, chocolate, fon dant or a multitude of compotes. Mmm.
Ready to plan your trip to Paris to try these confections? Or, maybe you’d like to learn to create your own in a French pastry making class. Give me a call and we’ll start the planning. 888-429-1929