Hanoi Creme Squares

Hanoi Creme Squares are a delightful dessert hailing from the rich culinary traditions of Vietnam, particularly inspired by the vibrant city of Hanoi. This dessert combines the creaminess of custard with the flakiness of pastry, reflecting a fusion of local Vietnamese ingredients with French colonial influence. The result is a treat that is both delicate and indulgent, perfect for any occasion or as the finale to a traditional Vietnamese meal.

Ingredients

• Puff pastry
• Egg yolks
• Sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Cornstarch
• Salt
• Cream

Preparation Steps

Before we start, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature. This will help in achieving the best texture for your puff pastry and custard filling. Let's begin with the preparation of each component.

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

1. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to the thickness of about 1/4 inch.
2. Cut it into squares, approximately 4x4 inches, and place them on a lined baking tray.
3. Preheat your oven to 200°C. While the oven is heating, refrigerate the pastry squares for 15 minutes to prevent them from shrinking during baking.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is golden and crispy. Ensure even cooking by turning the tray halfway through the cooking time.

Step 2: Prepare the Custard Filling

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together 4 egg yolks, 1/3 cup of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until well combined.
2. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, ensuring no lumps are formed.
3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil. Allow it to boil for about 1 minute while continuing to stir.
4. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
5. Transfer the custard into a bowl and cover its surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Let it cool to room temperature.

Step 3: Assemble the Hanoi Creme Squares

1. Once the puff pastry has cooled, carefully slice each square horizontally.
2. Generously spread the prepared custard over the bottom half and cover with the top half of the pastry.
3. For added indulgence, whip 1 cup of cream until stiff peaks form and pipe or spread it over the custard layer before adding the top layer of pastry.
4. Dust with icing sugar for a classic finish.

Enjoying Your Hanoi Creme Squares

Hanoi Creme Squares are best enjoyed slightly cooled, allowing the flavors of the custard to meld with the crispy puff pastry. These squares pair beautifully with a cup of Vietnamese coffee or a light jasmine tea. Serve them as a dessert to end a meal or as an afternoon treat with friends. They are an excellent example of how culinary traditions can blend to create something uniquely delicious.