Almond Orange Pithiviers

 Almond Orange Pithiviers is a delightful French pastry that combines the rich, nutty flavor of almonds with the bright citrusy notes of orange. It has a beautiful presentation and a delicious flavor profile, making it perfect for special occasions or a decadent afternoon treat.

Here's what you can expect with Almond Orange Pithiviers:

Pastry:

• Puff Pastry: This is the traditional base for Pithiviers. You can use store-bought puff pastry dough for convenience, or make your own for a more impressive and flavorful result. The pastry will be baked until golden brown and flaky.

Filling:

The filling is where the almond and orange flavors come together:

• Almond Base: Ground almonds are the main ingredient, providing a nutty texture and flavor.
• Orange Zest: Grated orange zest adds a burst of citrusy brightness and complements the almonds beautifully.
• Sweetener: Powdered sugar or granulated sugar sweetens the filling.
• Eggs: Eggs bind the filling ingredients together and contribute to a smooth texture.
• Liquor (Optional): A splash of rum, brandy, or Cointreau can be added for a touch of boozy flavor and complexity (not suitable for children).

Shape and Presentation:

• Round or Oval: Pithiviers are traditionally shaped like a round or oval disc.
• Decorative Crimping: The edges of the pastry dough are crimped decoratively to seal the filling and add a touch of elegance.
• Egg Wash (Optional): Brushing the top of the pastry with egg wash before baking creates a shiny golden brown crust.

Basic Steps:

1. Prepare the Dough: Thaw puff pastry dough according to package instructions if using store-bought. If making your own dough, follow your chosen recipe.

2. Make the Filling: Combine ground almonds, powdered sugar, orange zest, eggs, and your chosen liquor (if using) in a bowl. Mix well to form a smooth filling.

3. Assemble the Pithiviers: Roll out the puff pastry dough into a large sheet. Spread the almond orange filling in the center, leaving a border around the edge.

4. Seal and Decorate: Moisten the edges of the dough with water and fold the pastry over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges decoratively with a fork or your fingers to seal. You can cut out decorative shapes from leftover dough and place them on top of the Pithivier for an extra touch.

5. Egg Wash (Optional): Brush the top of the Pithiviers with egg wash for a shiny golden brown crust.

6. Bake: Bake the Pithiviers in a preheated oven at around 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.

7. Cool and Serve: Let the Pithiviers cool slightly before slicing and serving. You can dust it with powdered sugar or drizzle it with a simple glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.

Tips:

• To achieve a more intense orange flavor, you can use a combination of orange zest and a little bit of orange juice in the filling.
• If the filling seems too wet, you can add a tablespoon or two of almond flour to thicken it slightly.
• Be sure to chill the assembled Pithiviers for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the pastry dough to hold its shape and prevents the filling from leaking out.
• Don't overcrowd the baking sheet when baking the Pithiviers. Leave enough space for them to puff up without touching each other.

Almond Orange Pithiviers is a delicious and impressive pastry that's perfect for anyone who loves the combination of almonds and oranges. It's a bit more involved than some desserts, but the results are well worth the effort!