Pastis Landais with a Twist

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon orange blossom water 1/2 teaspoon orange blossom water
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 3 large eggs 3 large eggs
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 14g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 34g, 16g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. 2.
   Add the cold butter cubes to the bowl and use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla extract, and orange blossom water.
4. 4.
   Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the egg mixture.
5. 5.
   Gradually incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
6. 6.
   Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for a few minutes until it becomes smooth.
7. 7.
   Shape the dough into a round disc, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
8. 8.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
9. 9.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle about 1/2 inch thick.
10. 10.
    Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet and use a sharp knife to score a crisscross pattern on the surface.
11. 11.
    Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.
12. 12.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.
13. 13.
    Once cooled, dust the Pastis Landais with powdered sugar.
14. 14.
    Slice and serve.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Butter — Make sure the butter is cold and cubed to achieve a flaky texture in the pastry.
• Orange blossom water — Use a high-quality orange blossom water to ensure a delicate floral flavor in the dough.
• Powdered sugar — Sift the powdered sugar before dusting the Pastis Landais to achieve a smooth and even coating.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of indulgence, serve the Pastis Landais warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• If you prefer a stronger citrus flavor, you can add a teaspoon of freshly grated orange zest to the dough.
• To achieve a more pronounced golden color on the pastry, brush the surface with an egg wash before baking.
• If you don't have orange blossom water, you can substitute it with a few drops of almond extract for a different flavor profile.
• Leftover Pastis Landais can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Pastis Landais as a delightful breakfast pastry alongside a cup of coffee or tea. It can also be enjoyed as a dessert, either on its own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, dust the Pastis Landais with a generous amount of powdered sugar. You can also garnish each slice with a sprig of fresh mint or a few edible flowers for an elegant touch.