In a world brimming with store-bought options, there’s something uniquely satisfying about creating your own culinary delights at home. The irresistible aroma of freshly baked goods, the unparalleled taste, and the pride in crafting something from scratch are unmatched. Today, we bring you a recipe that you can’t buy in a store – a delightful treat that once you try making it at home, you’ll never want to purchase it again. We’re talking about the ultimate homemade puff pastries filled with boiled condensed milk. These pastries are not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious, making them a perfect addition to your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
To create these delectable puff pastries, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Warm milk (200 milliliters) – 3/4 cup
- Sugar – 1 teaspoon
- Instant yeast – 1 teaspoon
- Plain flour (300 grams) – 10.6 ounces
- Salt – 1/3 teaspoon
- Butter (40 grams) – 1.4 ounces
- Boiled condensed milk or other filling – according to taste
- Water (2 liters) – 8 1/2 cups
- Baking soda – 3 teaspoons
Preparation Steps
1. Preparing the Dough
- Activate the Yeast: Pour the warm milk into a mixing bowl. Add the instant yeast and sugar, then whisk until both are fully dissolved.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: Sift the plain flour into the bowl. Add the salt and mix it into the flour layer.
- Incorporate the Butter: Add the soft butter to the mixture. Knead until you achieve a soft, non-sticky, and elastic dough.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a covered bowl and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until it has doubled in size.
2. Shaping the Pastries
- Divide the Dough: Once the dough has risen, place it on a floured surface. Divide it into two equal halves.
- Form the Balls: From each half, divide the dough into six small pieces, forming a total of 12 pieces. Roll each piece into a ball.
- Flatten and Fill: Roll each ball into a thin, round disc. Place a teaspoon of boiled condensed milk (or your preferred filling) in the center of each disc.
- Seal the Pastries: Fold the edges over the filling and pinch to seal tightly, ensuring there are no gaps for the filling to escape.
3. Boiling the Pastries
- Prepare the Soda Solution: Bring 2 liters of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 2 to 3 teaspoons of baking soda to the boiling water.
- Boil the Pastries: Carefully drop the prepared pastries into the boiling water. Cook each one for about 30 seconds on each side.
- Drain and Prepare for Baking: Remove the pastries with a slotted spoon, allowing excess water to drain off. Place them seam-side down on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
4. Baking the Pastries
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Score the Pastries: Using a sharp knife, make three diagonal cuts on the surface of each pastry. This helps in achieving an even bake and an attractive appearance.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking tray in the oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown.
5. Finishing Touches
- Brush with Butter: Once baked, immediately brush the surface of each pastry with melted butter. This adds a beautiful sheen and enhances the flavor.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pastries to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm for the best taste experience.
Why Homemade is Better
Making these puff pastries at home has numerous advantages over store-bought versions. Firstly, you have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring they are fresh and of high quality. Secondly, the process of making these pastries is incredibly rewarding. Not only do you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor, but you also gain a deeper appreciation for the art of baking. Finally, homemade pastries can be customized to your liking – whether it’s the type of filling or the level of sweetness, you have the freedom to create your perfect pastry.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Yeast: For the best results, ensure your yeast is fresh and active. This is crucial for achieving the desired rise and texture in your dough.
- Don’t Overfill: When adding the filling, be careful not to overfill the pastries. Too much filling can cause them to burst open during boiling or baking.
- Proper Sealing: Make sure the edges are sealed tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out.
- Temperature Control: Keep an eye on your oven temperature. Baking at the correct temperature ensures the pastries are cooked evenly and achieve a beautiful golden brown color.
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of biting into a warm, flaky puff pastry that you’ve made yourself. This recipe for homemade puff pastries filled with boiled condensed milk is not only easy to follow but also incredibly rewarding. The combination of the buttery, flaky pastry and the sweet, creamy filling is simply irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So why settle for store-bought when you can create something truly special at home?
