Hazelnut Custard Puff Pastries

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Prepare the Puff Pastry**
Start by preheating your oven to **400°F (200°C)**. Roll out your puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Use a sharp knife to cut the pastry into squares or rectangles, depending on the shape you prefer for your pastries. You can make the pastries as large or small as you like, but aim for bite-sized treats that are easy to eat in one or two bites.

Place the cut puff pastry pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a fork to gently score a border about 1/2 inch from the edge of each square (don’t cut all the way through). This will help the edges puff up and create a golden, crispy crust while keeping the center flat for the custard filling.

Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg to give them a golden, shiny finish as they bake. Then, bake the puff pastry in the preheated oven for **12-15 minutes**, or until the edges are golden and puffed. Keep an eye on them, as puff pastry can bake quickly. Once done, remove them from the oven and set them aside to cool slightly.

#### 2. **Make the Hazelnut Custard**
While the puff pastry is baking, you can prepare the custard. In a medium saucepan, combine the **whole milk** and **heavy cream**. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it begins to simmer, but not quite boil.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the **egg yolks**, **sugar**, and **cornstarch** until smooth and well-combined. Once the milk mixture is hot, slowly pour a small amount of it into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. This is known as tempering the eggs, and it prevents them from curdling. Gradually add the rest of the milk mixture to the egg mixture, whisking as you go.

Return the custard mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, constantly stirring until it thickens and begins to bubble. This should take about **5-7 minutes**. Once thickened, remove the custard from the heat and stir in the **vanilla extract** and **hazelnut extract** (if using). Set the custard aside to cool slightly.

#### 3. **Assemble the Hazelnut Custard Puff Pastries**
Once the puff pastry squares have cooled slightly and the custard has thickened, it’s time to assemble your pastries. Gently press down the center of each puff pastry square to create a well, leaving the puffed edges intact. You can do this using a spoon or your fingers.

Spoon a generous amount of the hazelnut custard into each pastry well, filling it just up to the top without overflowing. The custard will be creamy and smooth, and it will provide a lovely contrast to the crisp pastry.

#### 4. **Toast the Hazelnuts**
Toast your **hazelnuts** by placing them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, for about **5 minutes** or until they are golden brown and fragrant. Once toasted, roughly chop the hazelnuts and sprinkle them generously over the top of the filled pastries. The crunchy, slightly sweet hazelnuts add the perfect texture and flavor to the soft, creamy custard.

#### 5. **Finish and Serve**
If desired, dust your Hazelnut Custard Puff Pastries with a light sprinkle of **powdered sugar** for an extra touch of elegance. Serve them immediately, or refrigerate them for later. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When ready to serve, you can allow them to come to room temperature for the perfect balance of crispness and creaminess.

### Why You’ll Love Hazelnut Custard Puff Pastries:
**Hazelnut Custard Puff Pastries** are a luxurious yet simple dessert that combine a variety of textures and flavors. The puff pastry is golden and flaky, providing the perfect crisp shell for the rich, silky custard. The hazelnuts add a crunchy, slightly sweet contrast to the creaminess of the custard, making each bite a delightful experience. The optional hint of hazelnut extract brings out the nutty flavor even more, elevating the taste of the entire dessert.

These pastries not only taste amazing but also look impressive, making them perfect for special occasions like brunches, holiday parties, or elegant gatherings. They are a great way to showcase the wonderful flavor of hazelnuts, which pair so beautifully with creamy desserts.

### Healthier Modifications:
While this recipe is a decadent treat, you can make a few adjustments to lighten it up without sacrificing too much flavor:
– **Low-fat Dairy**: Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of low-fat milk and cream for a lighter custard.
– **Reduce Sugar**: You can reduce the amount of sugar used in the custard if you prefer a less sweet dessert.
– **Nuts**: For a different twist, try using almonds, walnuts, or pecans instead of hazelnuts.

### Variations:
– **Chocolate Hazelnut Custard**: For a richer twist, melt a bit of chocolate into the custard while it’s cooking for a **chocolate hazelnut custard**. This adds an indulgent layer of flavor.
– **Fruit Filling**: Add a layer of fresh fruit (such as raspberries or strawberries) under the custard for a fruity contrast to the creamy filling.
– **Mini Pastries**: For a more bite-sized treat, cut the puff pastry into smaller rounds and create mini pastries filled with custard and topped with chopped hazelnuts.

### What to Serve With:
– **Coffee or Tea**: These pastries pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a hot tea, making them an ideal choice for a mid-afternoon treat or dessert.
– **Ice Cream**: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or hazelnut ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.
– **Whipped Cream**: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top adds an extra creamy texture to these already luxurious pastries.

### Final Thoughts:
**Hazelnut Custard Puff Pastries** are a true indulgence that combines the best of both worlds: a flaky, buttery pastry and a rich, creamy custard filling. The addition of toasted hazelnuts brings the perfect balance of crunch and flavor, making every bite a delightful treat. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or treat yourself to something special, these pastries are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and elevate any occasion. Treat yourself to a batch of these exquisite desserts and enjoy the satisfying combination of flavors and textures!