Dessert Du Jour Recipe
Chef Robynne & Chef Katherine's selection from our bakery around the corner
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Ingredients
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Base (pastry/bakery item)
Accompanying elements
Sauces & garnishes
Method
Base (pastry/bakery item)
Select and prepare bakery item
Choose one freshly baked item from the bakery selection (slice of cake, tart, éclair, or a puff pastry). If refrigerated, bring to room temperature (about 15–20 minutes) so flavors open and texture softens. If the pastry is meant to be warmed (e.g., a croissant or tart), preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and warm for 4–6 minutes until just warmed through; do not overheat.
If the bakery item is glazed or frosted lightly, place it on the serving plate centered for plating steps to follow.
Accompanying elements
Prepare berries
Rinse the mixed berries gently in cold water and drain well on a clean towel. Hull and quarter strawberries if large so all berries are bite-sized. Toss berries with the vanilla and the optional simple syrup (if using) to lightly sweeten and glaze; set aside for 5 minutes to macerate.
Prepare whipped cream
If using fresh whipped cream, whip 1/2 cup heavy cream with the vanilla (1/2 tsp) and a small pinch of sugar to soft peaks (about 1.5–2 minutes with a hand mixer). Transfer to a piping bag or spoon into a small ramekin for plating. If using store-bought, lightly whisk to loosen before plating.
Pick and rinse mint leaves, pat dry. Reserve whole leaves for garnish.
Sauces & garnishes
Plate the dessert
On a clean dessert plate, place the bakery item slightly off-center. Spoon 1–2 tablespoons of berry coulis in a swoosh beside the pastry using the back of the spoon. Arrange the macerated berries next to the pastry in a small cluster so they read as an accompaniment, not piled on top (this keeps pastry texture intact).
Add whipped cream and garnish
Pipe or dollop 2–3 tablespoons of whipped cream beside the berries. Dust the pastry lightly with confectioners' sugar using a fine sieve (about 1 teaspoon total). Shave a small amount (about 1 tablespoon) of dark chocolate over the whipped cream or pastry, or drizzle a little chocolate sauce over the plate for contrast.
Finish with 2–3 small mint leaves placed atop the whipped cream or berries. Taste and adjust: add an extra teaspoon of coulis or a few extra berries if the pastry is small and the plate looks empty.