Country: France Servings: Serves 6

Ingredients

• water – 1 cup / 240 ml
• unsalted butter – 1/2 cup / 115 g
• all-purpose flour – 1 cup / 125 g
• eggs – 4 large
• milk – 1 cup / 240 ml
• sugar – 3 tbsp / 37 g
• cornstarch – 2 tbsp / 16 g
• unsalted butter (for cream) – 1/2 cup / 115 g
• praline paste – 1 cup / 240 g
• slivered almonds – 1/4 cup / 30 g
• powdered sugar – for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a saucepan, combine water, butter, and a pinch of salt. Bring to boil.
3. Add flour all at once, stir until dough forms, and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Transfer dough to a mixing bowl. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly.
5. Pipe dough into a circle on a baking sheet. Sprinkle almonds on top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden. Cool completely.
7. For cream, heat milk and sugar in a saucepan until warm.
8. Blend cornstarch with a little cold milk and stir into warm milk mixture.
9. Cook until thickened. Remove from heat, cool slightly, and whisk in butter and praline.
10. Slice cooled pastry horizontally, fill with praline cream.
11. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Substitutions

• praline paste -> hazelnut spread
• unsalted butter -> vegan butter

Enhancements in the Next Evolution

• Add a pinch of salt to the dough for enhanced flavor.
• Use toasted almonds for extra aroma and taste.
• Incorporate a touch of vanilla in the praline cream.