Paris-Brest with almond crust and creamy vanilla filling

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### 👩‍🍳 Instructions

#### 1. **Prepare the Choux Pastry:**
– Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)** and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
– In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, salt, and sugar. Heat over medium heat until the butter is melted and the mixture begins to simmer.
– Add the flour all at once, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a smooth ball. Continue stirring for another 1-2 minutes to dry out the dough slightly.
– Remove from heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
– Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough becomes smooth and shiny. The dough should be thick, but still pipeable.
– Transfer the choux pastry dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. On the prepared baking sheet, pipe a large ring (about 8 inches in diameter) with a smaller ring inside it, forming a donut shape. Make sure to leave a little space between the two rings.
– Sprinkle the top with sliced almonds, pressing them gently into the dough.
– Bake for **25-30 minutes**, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up. Do not open the oven door during baking.
– Once done, turn off the oven, leave the pastry inside for an additional 10 minutes to dry out, then remove and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

#### 2. **Make the Vanilla Cream Filling:**
– In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat with the vanilla bean (split and scraped) or vanilla extract. Bring it just to a simmer, then remove from the heat.
– In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until smooth and slightly thickened.
– Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens and begins to boil.
– Once thickened, remove from heat and whisk in the cubed butter until smooth. If you used a vanilla bean, discard the pod.
– Pour the cream into a bowl and cover with plastic wrap, making sure the wrap touches the surface of the cream to prevent a skin from forming. Chill the cream in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until fully cooled.
– Once chilled, gently fold in the whipped heavy cream until smooth and light.

#### 3. **Assemble the Paris-Brest:**
– Once the choux pastry is completely cool, slice it in half horizontally.
– Generously fill the bottom half with the vanilla cream filling.
– Place the top half of the pastry on top, pressing gently to seal it.
– For an extra touch, dust the top with powdered sugar before serving.

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### 🧡 Why You’ll Love Paris-Brest with Almond Crust and Creamy Vanilla Filling

– **Delicate yet indulgent**: The airy choux pastry provides a delicate base that contrasts beautifully with the rich, creamy vanilla filling.
– **Beautifully balanced**: The crunch of the almond crust adds texture and nuttiness that perfectly complements the smooth, velvety filling.
– **Classic French elegance**: With its sophisticated presentation, this dessert is a true showstopper, perfect for impressing guests at special occasions or celebrating a momentous event.
– **Versatile filling options**: While the classic vanilla cream filling is a beloved favorite, feel free to get creative by adding chocolate, coffee, or fruit-based variations to the filling.

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### 🍽 Serving Suggestions

– **For an elegant dessert**: Serve Paris-Brest with a side of fresh berries or a drizzle of fruit coulis for a colorful contrast.
– **With a cup of coffee or tea**: Pair it with your favorite tea or a rich espresso for the perfect end to a meal.
– **For special occasions**: Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or holiday celebration, Paris-Brest is a stunning dessert that’s sure to impress guests and elevate your table.

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### 💡 Tips for Success

– **Watch the choux pastry carefully**: Choux pastry requires a little attention to detail. Make sure not to open the oven door while baking, as this can cause the pastries to deflate.
– **Chill the filling**: The vanilla cream needs to be completely chilled before you assemble the dessert. This ensures the filling holds its shape and doesn’t melt into the pastry.
– **Make ahead**: The pastry and filling can be made ahead of time. Store the pastry in an airtight container and fill it with the cream just before serving for the best texture.
– **Almond crust variations**: Feel free to experiment with other nuts, such as hazelnuts or pistachios, for a different flavor.

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### 🍰 Final Thoughts

The **Paris-Brest with Almond Crust and Creamy Vanilla Filling** is a luxurious, French-inspired dessert that combines the best of rich flavor and delicate texture. From the crispy, nutty almond crust to the silky vanilla cream, every bite is an indulgent treat that feels like a special occasion in itself. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply treating yourself, this dessert will surely add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any table.

So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy creating this decadent pastry at home. Bon appétit! 🥐✨