Belgian Pastry Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup seedless raspberry jam
• 1/4 cup almond paste
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1 egg yolk, beaten

Instructions:

1. Warm up the milk until it’s lukewarm. Add the yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar, stirring until the yeast has dissolved. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes so that the yeast can become frothy.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, remaining sugar, and salt until fluffy. Beat the egg in and stir in the yeast mixture. Add 2 cups of flour, a little at a time, until the dough comes together to form a ball.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes before transferring it to a greased bowl and letting it rest for an hour.
4. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle. Spread the raspberry jam and almond paste evenly over the dough.
5. Roll the dough up into a tight spiral starting with one of the long edges of the rectangle. Cut the rolled dough into 1-inch thick slices and place them cut side down on a greased baking sheet.
6. Brush the beaten egg yolk over the top of each slice. Sprinkle the sliced almonds over the top of each slice.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Remove the Belgian pastry from the oven and let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Verdict and Serving Suggestions

This Belgian pastry is a sweet and decadent treat that is perfect for breakfast or dessert. The combination of raspberry jam and almond paste creates a flavor explosion that is rich and indulgent. The sliced almonds add a crunchy texture that complements the soft and fluffy pastry. These pastries are best served warm with a cup of coffee or tea. Enjoy!