Hello, my dear foodies! It’s Julia here, back with another culinary adventure. Today, we’re leaving the hustle and bustle of Paris and heading southwest to the charming city of Bordeaux. And what better way to explore Bordeaux than through its most iconic pastry – the French Canelé.
French Caneles Recipe
French Caneles Recipe
Equipment
- 1 bowl
Ingredients
- Two cups of almond flour
- Two eggs
- One tablespoon of vanilla extract
- A cup of milk
- A tablespoon of vegetable oil
- A cup of all-purpose flour
- Half cup of whole wheat flour
- Salt to taste
- Water to kneed
Instructions
- Take a bowl.
- Add the flour into it.
- Add the sugar into it.
- Add lukewarm water in it.
- Set aside for half an hour.
- Add the whole wheat flour.
- Add the salt and some water in it.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract into the mixture.
- Add the almond flour and some of milk.
- Mix the ingredients well so that a smooth mixture can be obtained.
- Add the oil if required for smoothness.
- Steam the dish in a water bath for thirty minutes.
- Your dish is ready to be served.
Video
Making French Caneles in an air fryer
- Prepare your canelé batter as per the original recipe. Remember, resting the batter overnight is key!
- Once your batter is ready, pour it into silicone canelé molds. While traditional copper molds are preferred for oven baking, silicone molds work better in an air fryer.
- Preheat your air fryer at 180 degrees Celsius (or 350 degrees Fahrenheit) for about 5 minutes.
- Arrange the filled molds in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch each other. You might need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry the canelés for about 15 minutes or until they’re dark brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them as cooking times can vary between different air fryer models.
- Once done, let them cool before removing from the molds.
Tips for making French Caneles
Canelés (or cannelés) are small French pastries known for their contrasting textures – a dark, caramelized crust encasing a soft, custardy center. They’re sweet, slightly chewy, and absolutely irresistible.
Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Julia, aren’t canelés notoriously difficult to make?” Well, yes and no. While they do require some precision, I promise you that with a few tips and tricks up your sleeve, you’ll be making perfect canelés in no time.
Cooking Tips for Perfect French Caneles
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s go over some key tips that will help you achieve canelé perfection.
- Tip 1: Use Copper Molds While silicone molds are more convenient, nothing beats the traditional copper molds when it comes to achieving that signature caramelized crust.
- Tip 2: Coat the Molds with Beeswax This might sound unusual, but coating the molds with beeswax not only helps the canelés release easily but also contributes to the caramelization.
- Tip 3: Rest the Batter Resting the batter overnight allows the flavors to meld together and results in a smoother texture.
Serving Suggestions
Now, let’s talk about serving these delightful pastries. Here are some suggestions:
- Serve them with a glass of sweet Bordeaux wine: The sweetness of the wine pairs beautifully with the caramelized sugar in the canelés.
- Pair them with a strong coffee: The robust flavor of the coffee balances out the sweetness of the canelés, making for a perfect breakfast or afternoon treat.
- Serve them as dessert: Top them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the French Canelés recipe.
- Can I use regular wax instead of beeswax? While you can use regular wax, beeswax is preferred for its subtle honey flavor.
- Why are my canelés not dark enough? This could be due to under-baking. Make sure to bake them until they’re a deep, dark brown.
- Can I make the batter ahead of time? Yes, in fact, it’s recommended to rest the batter overnight before baking.
- Why are my canelés sticking to the mold? This could be due to not coating the molds properly with beeswax.
- Can I add other flavors to the batter? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors like vanilla, rum, or even orange zest.
So, next time you’re craving some French Canelés but don’t want to heat up your oven, give this air fryer method a try. It’s quick, easy, and yields equally delicious results.