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Prep time
1 hour
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Cook time
40 minutes
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Serves
8-12
Author Notes
Flaky buttery croissants, almond paste, dark chocolate bits, chopped cherries and orange, toasted almonds, all bound with a brandy custard. While this is a very rich dessert (noooo, really?!) the tangy fruit really helps with the flavor balance. When it follows the clean bright flavors of an Asian dinner, this dessert decadence makes for a well balanced evening. —LeBec Fin
Ingredients
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6
Almond Croissants (or plain )(20 ounces) cubed
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6-12 ounces
bittersweet chocolate, 72% preferred (Trader Joe's bar is excellent)
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1/2 cup
Toasted almonds, roughly chopped
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1/4 cup
candied orange, chopped
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1/4 cup
dried cranberries or dried tart cherries, chopped
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4-8 ounces
almond paste, chopped
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6
large eggs
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2
large egg yolks
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1 1/2 cups
heavy cream
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2 2/3 cups
whole milk
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1/2 cup
brandy
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2 teaspoons
vanilla
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1/2 teaspoon
kosher salt
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2-4 tablespoons
cold unsalted butter, chopped
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2 cups
white sugar
Directions
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Cube croissants, spread out on sheet pan and air dry for a day, or toast lightly in 250 degree F oven ½- 1 hr..
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Spread croissant cubes evenly in a buttered or non stick sprayed 9 x 12” non-metallic baking dish. Distribute almonds - almond paste in the pan.
Whisk egg yolks and eggs til combined, add liquids, sugar and salt. Pour over the dish, pushing down on the croissant mixture. Dot with butter. Cover and chill 1 -24 hours.
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Bake at 350 degrees, 40 minutes until lightly browned and custard is set. Cut and serve as is or napped with vanilla crème anglaise.
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Notes: Substitute for additions (nuts, fruit, chocolate, brandy) or milk for cream as you like.
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Note: This freezes well.
My eating passions are Japanese, Indian, Mexican; with Italian and French following close behind. Turkish/Arabic/Mediterranean cuisines are my latest culinary fascination. My desert island ABCs are actually 4 Cs: citrus, cumin, cilantro, cardamom, and GARLIC! I am so excited by the level of sophistication that I see on Food52 and hope to contribute recipes that will inspire you like yours do me. I would like to ask a favor of all who do try a recipe of mine > Would you plse review it and tell me truthfully how it worked for you and/or how you think it would be better? I know many times we feel that we don't want to hurt someone's feelings, but. i really do want your honest feedback because it can only help me improve the recipe.Thanks so much.
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