Puff Pastries with Nutella Cream and Almond Coffee Banana Smoothie

Puff Pastries with Nutella Cream and Almond Coffee Banana Smoothie

Ingredients:

For the Pastries:

• • Puff pastry – 400 g (14 oz), store-bought or homemade

• Egg – 1, beaten (for egg wash)
• Almond flakes – 30 g (1.1 oz), toasted

For the Cream:

• • Whipping cream – 200 ml (6.8 fl oz)
  • Vanilla flavored pudding powder – 60 g (2.1 oz)
  • Sugar – 50 g (1.8 oz)

• • Milk – 300 ml (10 fl oz)
  • Nutella – 120 g (4.2 oz)
  • Strawberries – 150 g (5.3 oz), sliced

For the Drink (Banana Coffee Smoothie):

• • Instant coffee – 20 g (0.7 oz)
  • Hot water – 100 ml (3.4 fl oz)

• • Bananas – 2, peeled and chopped
  • Milk – 150 ml (5.1 fl oz)
  • Whipping cream – 30 ml (1 fl oz)

• • Powdered sugar – 20 g (0.7 oz)
  • Vanilla essence – 5 ml (0.2 fl oz)
  • Almonds – 20 g (0.7 oz), for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pastries

1. 1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
   2. Roll Out the Puff Pastry: If using store-bought puff pastry, roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Cut the pastry into 8-10 squares or rectangles, depending on the size you prefer for the pastries.

1. 1. Apply the Egg Wash: Brush each pastry square with the beaten egg to give it a golden, shiny finish when baked.
   2. Add Almond Flakes: Sprinkle the almond flakes evenly on top of each pastry, pressing gently so they stick to the egg wash.
   3. Bake: Transfer the pastry squares to a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up. Once done, set aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Nutella Cream Filling

1. 1. Make the Vanilla Pudding: In a medium saucepan, combine 60 g of vanilla-flavored pudding powder with 50 g of sugar and 300 ml of milk. Whisk together until smooth and heat over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency. Remove from heat and let it cool.
   2. Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip 200 ml of whipping cream until soft peaks form. Set it aside.

1. Mix Nutella with Pudding: Once the pudding has cooled, fold in the Nutella and stir until smooth and well combined.
2. Combine with Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the Nutella pudding mixture, creating a light and fluffy cream filling.

Step 3: Assemble the Pastries

1. 1. Slice the Pastries: Once the puff pastries have cooled, carefully slice each one in half horizontally, creating a top and bottom layer.
   2. Fill with Nutella Cream: Spoon a generous amount of Nutella cream onto the bottom half of each pastry. Layer a few slices of fresh strawberries on top of the cream for a burst of freshness.
   3. Close the Pastries: Place the top half of the pastry over the cream and strawberries to close the pastry.

Step 4: Prepare the Banana Coffee Smoothie

1. 1. Dissolve Coffee: In a small cup, dissolve the 20 g of instant coffee in 100 ml of hot water. Set aside to cool slightly.
   2. Blend the Smoothie: In a blender, combine the bananas, 150 ml of milk, 30 ml of whipping cream, 20 g of powdered sugar, 5 ml of vanilla essence, and the cooled coffee. Blend until smooth and creamy.

1. Top with Almonds: Pour the smoothie into glasses and sprinkle the chopped almonds on top for a crunchy garnish.

Step 5: Serve

1. 1. Serve the Pastries: Place the filled Nutella pastries on a serving plate, dust with powdered sugar if desired, and serve alongside the refreshing banana coffee smoothie.

Cooking Tips:

• • Puff Pastry: If using frozen puff pastry, make sure to thaw it properly before rolling it out to avoid cracking.
  • Nutella Cream: Allow the pudding mixture to cool before mixing it with Nutella to prevent the whipped cream from melting and losing its fluffy texture.
  • Smoothie Variations: You can add a pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder to the smoothie for an extra depth of flavor.

• Almond Flakes: Toast the almond flakes in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes over medium heat until they are golden and fragrant. This enhances the flavor and gives a crunchy texture.

Storage:

• • Pastries: The Nutella cream-filled pastries are best eaten fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. To refresh them, you can reheat the pastries in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Smoothie: The banana coffee smoothie is best consumed immediately. However, if you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours in a sealed container. Stir well before serving.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 8 Servings):

• • Calories: 480-500 kcal
  • Protein: 6-7 g
  • Fat: 28-30 g

• • Carbohydrates: 50-55 g
  • Sugar: 28-30 g
  • Fiber: 2-3 g

• Sodium: 200-250 mg