Saturday, January 31, 2009

Pain au Chocolat


I don't speak French, I know practically nothing of French culture and history. My mom lived in southern France for a couple years in her twenties, so I do know a couple of children's songs that my she taught me when I was a kid. Everyone knows Frere Jacques, but do you know Alouette or Ansi Font? But that pretty much sums it up. Oh, I guess I can count to ten, but every little kid who watched Sesame Street can count to ten in different languages.

I've found recently that my baking has leaned toward the French side of life, though. I suppose that makes sense, as many of the great pastries and desserts hail from a French tradition. But for whatever reason, my own baking interests have not been particularly French in the past. There is one pastry that I remeber my mom giving us a version of as children, Pain au Chocolat with warm sugar milk.

Pain au Chocolat is essentially a crossant with chocolate inside. I was inspired at the last minute to make some for my book club this morning. Again, I should have picked something that I knew would work in case the Pain au Chocolat didn't "pan" out (ha ha, sorry), but sometimes when I want to do something, I do it! Well, it didn't turn out at all like it was supposed to, (they were not at all croissant flaky-like) but fortunately the bread was still good, and I just didn't say anything! ;)

My recipe comes from Jacques Torres over at the Food Network. I know I used too little butter (I spazed and wasn't paying attention to what was going on), so I'll have to try again sometime soon and see if I can't get actual croissants. This is a good regular bread recipe, too, though!

7 comments:

apparentlyjessy said...

I love chocolate croissants, and bread with chocolate, and yours look tasty! These wouldn't last long if I made em!

Unknown said...

I LOVE pain au chocolat. When I was in France I ate tons of this stuff. Careful, it's addicting. (Oh, and I know those other french songs, but only cause my dad served his mission in French Canada).

WonderKitty said...

My younger brother made a simpler version of this in Jr High. It involved pilspury croissants and a hershy bar. Your's look better though.

Talina said...

Hmm, combining croissants and chocolate! That is just ingenious! You belong to a book club? How fun! Do you read fun books? Any recommendations to pass my way?

Hilary said...

I need to find out where you live so I can randomly stop by and you could invite me in and offer me whatever amazing thing you made last . . . I'd gain 20 lbs, but it'd be worth it!

laurel said...

You can always try Chrsitine Lavin's recipe. (check your e-mail)
:-D

Helene said...

Thanks for reminding me of "ainsi font"... it's been ages since I have heard that one!
Your pain au chocolat were a first brave attempt!