Traditional Mille-Feuille

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet of puff pastry (homemade or store-bought)
• Pastry cream:
• 2 cups of whole milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 6 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 1/4 cup of cornstarch
• 2 tbsp of unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup of powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the puff pastry sheet on it. Prick it with a fork all over and then cover with another piece of parchment paper. Place a heavy oven-safe dish on top of the parchment paper to keep the pastry from puffing up too much.
3. Bake the puff pastry for 15-20 minutes, or until it is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature before handling.
4. Meanwhile, prepare the pastry cream. Heat the milk and vanilla in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it comes to a simmer.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until the mixture is pale and thick. Add in the cornstarch and whisk until smooth.
6. Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the bowl with the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from cooking.
7. Once all the milk has been incorporated, pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat until it thickens and comes to a boil.
8. Remove from heat and whisk in the butter until it is fully melted and incorporated. Transfer the pastry cream to a bowl and cover the surface with plastic wrap (to prevent a skin from forming). Place it in the fridge to chill.
9. Once the puff pastry has cooled, trim the edges to make a large rectangle. Cut the pastry into three equal strips.
10. Sprinkle powdered sugar on a clean surface and roll out each strip of pastry until it has doubled in size.
11. Spread the chilled pastry cream evenly over one strip of puff pastry, then top with another layer of puff pastry. Repeat until all the pastry and cream layers have been used up.
12. Sprinkle the top with powdered sugar and using a sharp knife, slice the mille-feuille into 2-inch wide slices. Serve immediately.

Verdict and Serving Suggestion:

This traditional French dessert is a perfect combination of crisp puff pastry and smooth pastry cream. It is a great dessert for special occasions, and it can be served with fresh fruit or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra decadent touch. Enjoy this delicious mille-feuille with a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect end to any meal.