Save Piste de Train Mignardises is a whimsical assortment of miniature French desserts, each inspired by classic pastries and thoughtfully arranged to form a charming train track. This delightful platter is perfect for festive occasions, elegant afternoon teas, or as a sophisticated dessert presentation that will impress guests with its artistry and variety.
Save The harmony of textures and flavors—airy choux pastry filled or dipped in rich ganache, buttery golden financiers with almond notes, and fresh berry topped tartlets—creates an inviting taste journey. The artful assembly into a train track pattern adds a playful yet refined presentation that delights both the eyes and palate.
Ingredients
- Choux Pastry
- 60 ml water
- 60 ml whole milk
- 50 g unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 70 g all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- Chocolate Ganache
- 100 g dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa), chopped
- 100 ml heavy cream
- Mini Financiers
- 60 g unsalted butter
- 50 g almond flour
- 40 g icing sugar
- 20 g all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- 2 large egg whites
- Fruit Tartlets
- 100 g sweet shortcrust pastry (pâte sucrée)
- 80 ml pastry cream
- 40 g assorted fresh berries (raspberries, blueberries, strawberries)
- Decoration
- 20 g powdered sugar (for dusting)
- 1 tbsp edible gold leaf or silver pearls (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Preheat Oven
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 2. Prepare Choux Pastry
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, milk, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat, add flour, and stir vigorously until a dough forms. Return to heat and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly. Transfer to a bowl, let cool slightly, then beat in eggs one at a time until smooth and glossy.
- 3. Bake Choux Puffs
- Pipe small rounds onto a baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until puffed and golden. Cool completely.
- 4. Make Chocolate Ganache
- Heat cream until just simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate, let stand 1 minute, then stir until glossy and smooth. Cool to room temperature.
- 5. Prepare Mini Financiers
- Melt butter until golden brown (beurre noisette). Cool slightly. In a bowl, mix almond flour, icing 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.
- 6. Bake Fruit Tartlets
- Roll out sweet shortcrust pastry and cut into small rounds. Press into mini tartlet molds. Prick bases, bake blind at 180°C (350°F) for 10–12 minutes. Cool, then fill with pastry cream and top with berries.
- 7. Assemble Dessert Train
- Arrange the mignardises on a large platter or board to resemble a winding train track: line up choux puffs filled or dipped with ganache, financiers as train cars, tartlets as stations. Decorate with powdered sugar and gold leaf or silver pearls for extra flair.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Ensure the choux dough is beaten thoroughly after adding eggs for a smooth, glossy texture that helps create perfect puffing. While browning butter for financiers, watch carefully to prevent burning and develop a nutty aroma. Blind baking tartlet shells ensures a crisp base that holds the delicate pastry cream and fresh berries without sogginess.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Experiment with different fillings for choux puffs such as coffee or vanilla cream to tailor to your taste. Swap out fresh berries in the tartlets for seasonal fruits to add variety and freshness. For an extra playful presentation, consider adding chocolate rails or cookie tracks alongside the assembled dessert train.
Serviervorschläge
This elegant platter pairs wonderfully with a glass of Champagne or Sauternes for celebratory moments. Alternatively, serve alongside a fine tea to enhance the delicate flavors of the miniature pastries during afternoon gatherings or refined dessert courses.
Save Piste de Train Mignardises brings together the finesse of French patisserie and a playful theme that transforms dessert into an experience. This recipe invites you to explore classic techniques while presenting your creations in a unique and charming way that will captivate both young and old.
Recipe FAQs
- → What is the best way to pipe choux pastry for uniform size?
Use a piping bag fitted with a round nozzle to pipe small, even rounds spaced apart on parchment paper for consistent puffing and baking.
- → How do I achieve a smooth chocolate ganache for filling?
Heat the cream until just simmering, pour over chopped dark chocolate, then let sit for a minute before stirring gently until glossy and smooth.
- → Can mini financiers be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, bake the financiers in mini molds and store them airtight at room temperature; refresh slightly in a warm oven before serving to restore crisp edges.
- → What fruits work best for the tartlet toppings?
Fresh berries such as raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries provide vibrant color and balanced sweetness ideal for tartlet decoration.
- → How to assemble the mignardises to mimic a train track?
Arrange choux puffs as train engines and cars, place financiers as connecting cars, and use tartlets as stations along a curving platter track, finishing with a dusting of powdered sugar.
- → What are suitable drink pairings for this dessert selection?
Champagne, Sauternes wine, or a refined tea complement the delicate flavors and elegant style of these French miniature sweets.