Recipe: French Puff Pastry Napoleon
This dessert looks fancy, but it's super simple to make.
No one’s quite sure how this layered, cream-filled dessert got its name. One legend says it was named by Russians after their army fought off an invasion by French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte in 1812. Others believe that it’s a mispronunciation of Neopolitan, meaning "from Naples, Italy," which is famous for layered treats.
However the goodie got its name, it sure is delicious! Here’s an easy recipe to try.
STEP ONE
Carefully unroll a sheet of puff pastry and cut across the middle from side-to-side and end-to-end so that you have 4 pieces.
STEP TWO
Follow the instructions on the package to bake until it’s golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool. Pull the pastry apart so that you have 2 layers.
STEP THREE
In a mixer (or a bowl if you’re using a hand mixer), place the cream, 2 tablespoons of the powdered sugar, and the vanilla extract. Mix on high until the cream is fluffy and stiff enough to form a "peak" when you lift out the mixer.
STEP FOUR
Slice the strawberries and mix them with the remaining 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and the lemon juice. Let sit for 10 minutes so the sugar draws out the fruit juice.
STEP FIVE
Gather 4 plates. Spread a thin layer of the whipped cream mixture in the center of each plate. Top with a scoop of the strawberries and then another layer of the whipped cream.
STEP SIX
Place a piece of pastry on top of the cream. Repeat the cream / strawberry / cream process, then top with another piece of pastry.
STEP SEVEN
If you really want to be fancy, spoon any remaining strawberry juice around the plate and sprinkle with cocoa powder or powdered sugar.
Text is excerpted from the National Geographic Kids Cookbook by Barton Seaver