Taoist Diet Croissant

Ingredients

The Taoist Diet Croissant differs from the original French croissant by incorporating Taoist principles into its ingredients and preparation. It replaces butter with plant-based alternatives, such as coconut oil or vegan margarine, to adhere to the Taoist diet's emphasis on plant-based foods. Additionally, the croissant dough is enriched with nutrient-dense ingredients like whole wheat flour and almond flour, providing a healthier twist to the traditional recipe. We alse have the original recipe for Croissant, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (240g) whole wheat flour 2 cups (240g) whole wheat flour
• 1 cup (120g) almond flour 1 cup (120g) almond flour
• 1/4 cup (60ml) coconut oil or vegan margarine 1/4 cup (60ml) coconut oil or vegan margarine
• 1/4 cup (60ml) warm water 1/4 cup (60ml) warm water
• 2 tablespoons (30g) coconut sugar 2 tablespoons (30g) coconut sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5g) active dry yeast 1 teaspoon (5g) active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt 1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) unsweetened almond milk 1/2 cup (120ml) unsweetened almond milk
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 23g, 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, dissolve the coconut sugar and yeast in warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, almond flour, and salt.
3. 3.
   Add the coconut oil or vegan margarine to the flour mixture and use your fingers to rub it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. 4.
   Pour in the almond milk, vanilla extract, and the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
5. 5.
   Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6. 6.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
7. 7.
   Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal portions.
8. 8.
   Roll each portion into a triangle shape, then roll it up tightly from the wider end to form a croissant shape.
9. 9.
   Place the croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
10. 10.
    Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
11. 11.
    Bake the croissants for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
12. 12.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Whole wheat flour — Use a finely ground whole wheat flour for the best texture and flavor.
• Almond flour — Ensure your almond flour is finely ground and blanched for a smooth dough.
• Coconut oil or vegan margarine — Make sure the oil or margarine is solid at room temperature for proper incorporation into the dough.
• Active dry yeast — Check the expiration date to ensure the yeast is fresh and active.
• Unsweetened almond milk — Opt for unsweetened almond milk to maintain the balance of flavors in the croissant.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve flaky layers, make sure to fold the dough properly during the rolling process.
• For a richer flavor, brush the croissants with a mixture of maple syrup and almond milk before baking.
• Experiment with different fillings such as dark chocolate, sliced almonds, or dried fruit for added variety.
• Serve the croissants warm for the best taste and texture.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Serving advice

Enjoy the Taoist Diet Croissant as a delightful breakfast or snack. Pair it with a cup of herbal tea for a truly tranquil experience.

Presentation advice

Arrange the croissants on a beautiful platter, showcasing their golden-brown exterior and flaky layers. Dust them lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.