Features of "Strawberry Pastries With Vanilla Custard"

Served as dessert. Vegetarian dish.

Serves: 12

Ingredients for "Strawberry Pastries With Vanilla Custard"
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6 Sheets, frozen puff Pastry Dough, thawed
4 Tablespoon Powdered Sugar
2 pint Strawberries

VANILLA CUSTARD
1 Vanilla bean
1 cup Half-and-half
3 Egg yolks
2 Tablespoon Granulated Sugar
1/2 cup Whipping Cream

Method of cooking "Strawberry Pastries With Vanilla Custard"

Roll each sheet of dough out to about 12-by-6 inches. If desired, sift powdered sugar over counter before rolling. Cut each sheet into 4 even pieces. Cover baking sheets with waxed paper. Place dough on prepared sheet. Prick with a fork. Sift powdered sugar over dough. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Bake dough at 425 degree F for about 5 minutes. Increase temperature to 450 degree F and bake for another 3 to 5 minutes until pastries are light, golden and puffed. Let cool on wire rack. Split vanilla bean open lengthwise. Place in a heavy saucepan. Add half-and-half. Bring to a boil. Cook over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes. Remove vanilla bean. In a bowl, beat egg yolks and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add a little hot half-and-half, whisking. Pour this mixture back into saucepan. Bring to a boil, whisking constantly until thick and creamy. Do not boil or custard will curdle. Remove custard sauce from heat. Beat until smooth. Whip cream until soft peaks form. Add to vanilla custard. Spread over half of the baked pastries. Cover with sliced strawberries. Top with second half of pastries. Dust with powdered sugar. Serve.