The Daring Bakers go retro this month! Thanks to one of our very talented non-blogging members, Sarah, the Daring Bakers were challenged to make Croissants using a recipe from the Queen of French Cooking, none other than Julia Child!
Making croissant from scratch has been on my list forever.I always wanted to do it but never got around to for one reason:FEAR!
Fear of the process itself.Making laminated dough (dough of thin layers with butter in between) is not a simple process, it requires time, patience and cool weather none of which I have at the moment lol.
And fear of having a whole rack of freshly baked croissants with no one but me in the house. Honestly, I don’t trust my self control to put it through such a test.
Then comes this months daring bakers challenge and as with every month fears need to be faced!
I divided work into three days..working in the early hours of the day or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat. On the first day I made the dough, allowed it to rise, punched it down and put it in the fridge.
The next day I added the butter and did the turns and made the croissants and allowed them to rise in the fridge over night and these yummy beauties were a wonderful breakfast over the weekend with jam or stuffed with turkey and cheese.
I have to say that I loved the taste but was not completely happy with the shape or the honey comb pattern when you cut into the croissant..to see what I mean check out my amazing fellow daring baker creations..they put bakeries to shame!
I will surly make croissants again,working on the technique and shape but in the mean time I would like to thank Sarah for an amazing challenge and for being a great hostess.
I included a video of Juila making her croissants..the recipe is slightly different from the one in the challenge but the video will help make sense of all the steps.
One last thing..If you have not already..you still have a chance to enter the giveaway to win two Albertson gift cards.
Ingredients
¼ oz (7 gm) of fresh yeast, or 1¼ teaspoon (6¼ ml/4 gm) of dry-active yeast (about ½ sachet)
3 tablespoons (45 ml) warm water (less than 100°F/38°C)
1 teaspoon (5 ml/4½ gm) sugar
1 3/4 cups (225 gm/½ lb) of strong plain flour (I used Polish all-purpose flour, which is 13% protein)
2 teaspoons (10 ml/9 gm) sugar
1½ teaspoon (7½ ml/9 gm) salt
½ cup (120 ml/¼ pint) milk (I am not sure if the fat content matters. I used 2%)
2 tablespoons (30 ml) tasteless oil (I used generic vegetable oil)
½ cup (120 ml/1 stick/115 gm/¼ lb) chilled, unsalted butter
1 egg, for egg wash
Directions:
1. Mix the yeast, warm water, and first teaspoon of sugar in a small bowl. Leave aside for the yeast and sugar to dissolve and the yeast to foam up a little.
2. Measure out the other ingredients
3. Heat the milk until tepid (either in the microwave or a saucepan), and dissolve in the salt and remaining sugar
4. Place the flour in a large bowl.
5. Add the oil, yeast mixture, and milk mixture to the flour
6. Mix all the ingredients together using the rubber spatula, just until all the flour is incorporated
7. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, and let it rest a minute while you wash out the bowl
8. Knead the dough eight to ten times only. The best way is as Julia Child does it in the video It’s a little difficult to explain, but essentially involves smacking the dough on the counter (lots of fun if you are mad at someone) and removing it from the counter using the pastry scraper.
9. Place the dough back in the bowl, and place the bowl in the plastic bag
10. Leave the bowl at approximately 75°F/24°C for three hours, or until the dough has tripled in size.
11. After the dough has tripled in size, remove it gently from the bowl, pulling it away from the sides of the bowl with your fingertips.
12. Place the dough on a lightly floured board or countertop, and use your hands to press it out into a rectangle about 8 by 12 inches (20cm by 30cm).
13. Fold the dough rectangle in three, like a letter (fold the top third down, and then the bottom third up)
14. Place the dough letter back in the bowl, and the bowl back in the plastic bag.
15. Leave the dough to rise for another 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This second rise can be done overnight in the fridge
16. Place the double-risen dough onto a plate and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Place the plate in the fridge while you prepare the butter
17. Once the dough has doubled, it’s time to incorporate the butter
18. Place the block of chilled butter on a chopping board.
19. Using the rolling pin, beat the butter down a little, till it is quite flat.
20. Use the heel of your hand to continue to spread the butter until it is smooth. You want the butter to stay cool, but spread easily.
21. Remove the dough from the fridge and place it on a lightly floured board or counter. Let it rest for a minute or two.
22. Spread the dough using your hands into a rectangle about 14 by 8 inches (35 cm by 20 cm).
23. Remove the butter from the board, and place it on the top half of the dough rectangle
24. Spread the butter all across the top two-thirds of the dough rectangle, but keep it ¼ inch (6 mm) across from all the edges.
25. Fold the top third of the dough down, and the bottom third of the dough up.
26. Turn the dough package 90 degrees, so that the top flap is to your right (like a book).
27. Roll out the dough package (gently, so you don’t push the butter out of the dough) until it is again about 14 by 8 inches (35 cm by 20 cm).
28. Again, fold the top third down and the bottom third up.
29. Wrap the dough package in plastic wrap, and place it in the fridge for 2 hours.
30. After two hours have passed, take the dough out of the fridge and place it again on the lightly floured board or counter.
31. Tap the dough with the rolling pin, to deflate it a little
32. Let the dough rest for 8 to 10 minutes
33. Roll the dough package out till it is 14 by 8 inches (35 cm by 20 cm).
34. Fold in three, as before
35. Turn 90 degrees, and roll out again to 14 by 8 inches (35 cm by 20 cm).
36. Fold in three for the last time, wrap in plastic, and return the dough package to the fridge for two more hours (or overnight, with something heavy on top to stop it from rising)
37. It’s now time to cut the dough and shape the croissants
38. First, lightly butter your baking sheet so that it is ready
39. Take the dough out of the fridge and let it rest for ten minutes on the lightly floured board or counter
40. Roll the dough out into a 20 by 5 inch rectangle (51 cm by 12½ cm).
41. Cut the dough into two rectangles (each 10 by 5 inches (25½ cm by 12½ cm))
42. Place one of the rectangles in the fridge, to keep the butter cold
43. Roll the second rectangle out until it is 15 by 5 inches (38 cm by 12½ cm).
44. Cut the rectangle into three squares (each 5 by 5 inches (12½ cm by 12½ cm))
45. Place two of the squares in the fridge
46. The remaining square may have shrunk up a little bit in the meantime. Roll it out again till it is nearly square
47. Cut the square diagonally into two triangles.
48. Stretch the triangle out a little, so it is not a right-angle triangle, but more of an isosceles.
49. Starting at the wide end, roll the triangle up towards the point, and curve into a crescent shape.
50. Place the unbaked croissant on the baking sheet
51. Repeat the process with the remaining squares of dough, creating 12 croissants in total.
52. Leave the tray of croissants, covered lightly with plastic wrap, to rise for 1 hour
53. Preheat the oven to very hot 475°F/240°C/gas mark 9.
54. Mix the egg with a teaspoon of water
55. Spread the egg wash across the tops of the croissants.
56. Put the croissants in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes, until the tops are browned nicely
57. Take the croissants out of the oven, and place them on a rack to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
eva626
/ October 7, 2011do you still work? cause if i was your spouse i wouldnt be able to wait for you to make meals!!! love the color,…these beat Costco ones by a very far
thefooddoctor
/ October 7, 2011hehehehe yes I still do work but part time only
Thank you for your sweet comment Eva
thefooddoctor
/ October 7, 2011we loved it too..it was a welcome change and combination of flavors
Geni - Sweet and Crumby
/ October 3, 2011I am so impressed with you! I have never attempted to make my own but YOURS, Yours look so spectacular that you may have given me the inspiration and push that I needed to try it. The layers of flaky dough just look fabulous. Your photos make it so clear how perfect your croissants are.
Eva@ kitcheninspirations.wordpress.com/
/ October 2, 2011I am on batch number two for the croissants! I am going to make these until I get it right!
thefooddoctor
/ October 2, 2011That’s the spirit
Anything I can help with?
Katherine Martinelli
/ October 1, 2011I have yet to make croissants but yours are simply stunning!! There’s nothing better than a good flaky, buttery croissant. Great job! I’m thoroughly impressed.
Lo81
/ September 30, 2011Wow, your croissants look so soft!!! A great job!
....RaeDi
/ September 30, 2011I have never made a croissant, love them, but it seems a lot of work! Your pictures and presentation are incredible….RaeDi
thefooddoctor
/ September 30, 2011Thank you so much RaeDi
it is my first time making them and I have to say they sound harder that what they really are..the problem is really in all the waiting you have to do
kankana
/ September 30, 2011The second picture clearly tells how gorgeous these are baked. Can see the fluff and the golden color is so lovely.
thefooddoctor
/ September 30, 2011Thank nyou so much Kankana..you are always too kind
Savory Simple
/ September 30, 2011These are gorgeous!
thefooddoctor
/ September 30, 2011You are too kind..thank you so much
wok with ray
/ September 30, 2011Are those accidental burnt croissant or you did that in purpose, Sawsan? That’s how I like on my croissant because it makes it crunchy and have that smoky flavor. Whenever we have croissant in the house, I would purposely put mine in the toaster for a longer time so it will burn a little (I know, I’m weird), Haha! Very nice shot especially the one with turkey, yummm! Have a Happy Friday, Sawsan!
~ ray ~
thefooddoctor
/ September 30, 2011No, Ray. It was actually on purpose.
I like my baked goods deep golden and crunchy so you are not weird at all..I am exactly the same
chef_d
/ September 30, 2011Your croissants look perfect! They look so flaky and delicious…I am getting hungry just looking at the pictures. Awesome job for this month’s challenge and great foodstyling too!
thefooddoctor
/ September 30, 2011Thank you so much for your kind comment
Caroline
/ September 30, 2011I think your croissants look lovely, Sawsan! That’s quite the lengthy process. Yeesh! I’m sure they were delicious with some butter or jam. Love the Julia Child clip–she’s the best.
thefooddoctor
/ September 30, 2011Thank you Caroline. I love her too. I think she was a very talented and determined person
Amnah
/ September 30, 2011Wow, those look amazing! But I have to admit I’m way too intimidated by the 57 steps to even attempt this. Glad I stumbled on your blog.
thefooddoctor
/ September 30, 2011Thank you so much for stopping by
it is really easier than what it seems in writing
anja jansen
/ September 29, 2011Wow. Wow. Wow. What a great croissants and pictures of them. And the one with turkey and cheese. You can wake me up at night for that one. It looks so delicious.
Great job.
thefooddoctor
/ September 30, 2011Thank you so much for your sweet comment..
I deeply appreciate it
Jenni
/ September 29, 2011Fantastic job on your croissants! They look utterly stunning! Your photography is wonderful, too.
thefooddoctor
/ September 30, 2011Thank you so much Jenni
I deeply appreciate it
Korena
/ September 29, 2011That croissant sandwich is making my mouth water. Yum. (And I think the cross-section of your croissants looks great!)
thefooddoctor
/ September 29, 2011Thank you so much Korena
ambrosiana
/ September 28, 2011My hats off to you!!! Seriously!!! It is not easy to make croissants since you need to be careful about making sure you put the right dose of every ingredient and making the dough is not an easy task either!!!! These croissants look amazing!!!!
thefooddoctor
/ September 29, 2011Coming from you that is a huge compliment..thank you so much
sportsglutton
/ September 28, 2011This croissants look to die for! Thanks for sharing the detailed directions and the Julia Child’s clip!
thefooddoctor
/ September 28, 2011Thank you for your kind comment
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes and Desserts
/ September 28, 2011Oh my word, I can’t believe you tackled this! Huge FEAR!!! I think your texture looks great – not sure I could ever do these!
thefooddoctor
/ September 28, 2011It was scary..I don’t think I would have done it if it wasn’t a challenge but once I did they turned out to be really easy..just break down the work and you might enjoy it
foodblogandthedog
/ September 28, 2011Those croissants look perfect, seriously! I am actually giving you a standing ovation, respect!! The picture of the cut through croissant where you can see the layers is impressive, I really want to come for breakfast, jealous!!
thefooddoctor
/ September 28, 2011oh you are too kind Natalie..I deeply appreciate it
ChgoJohn
/ September 28, 2011I, too, love croissants but will never have the patience to make them myself. Yours look wonderful and the photos are well-shot. I’ll join the others in saying that I’m amazed and impressed — again!
thefooddoctor
/ September 29, 2011I am humbled by your kindness and sweet words..thank you
kitchenbelleicious
/ September 28, 2011I can’t even make my store-bought refrigerated rolls look right much less make them on my own! How totally amazing is this recipe and post! Congrats girl because this is a job well done
thefooddoctor
/ September 29, 2011Thank you so much..it was not easy but well worth it
fati's recipes
/ September 28, 2011I was over at Samah’s blog, and checking out her croissants… I still can’t believe that you young ladies can make this stuff so perfectly!
I’m so astounded, you’ve done such an amazing job! And your photos are realllllly creative and inducing! Makes you want to grab it right off the screen!
Well done on such an amazing challenge!
thefooddoctor
/ September 28, 2011I am sure you can do all this and more Fati..it is really easier than it seems and if you love what you do you will really enjoy it
lisamichele
/ September 28, 2011Absolutely beautiful croissants – so golden and your buttery layers in the crumb are perfect! It wa a lot of work, but soo worth it!
thefooddoctor
/ September 29, 2011it was worth every minute..I aim to get croissants as professional as yours someday
Lisa
/ October 1, 2011They didn’t brown below what you see and the edges are stumpy, hence why I placed the prettiest 4 in a basket, to hide the flaws lol The other 8 look like various twisted aliens!!
thefooddoctor
/ October 2, 2011hehehe You should see my croissants that didn’t make it into the picture
tanja@tanjascookingcorner
/ September 28, 2011I have never made croissants. I have been planning to make them for ages, but wasnn’t brave enough- yet…You did a fantastic job, Sawsan! The croissants look mouthwatering, and you presented them perfectly! Love that you included the video. Very helpful!!!
thefooddoctor
/ September 30, 2011Thank you so so much Tanja..
I can”t tell you how much your support and kindness means to me
as for the croissants they are really much easier than the steps make them sound ..I am sure if you made them they will turn out heavenly
Tandy
/ September 28, 2011I think they look amazing! Well done
thefooddoctor
/ September 29, 2011Thank you Tandy
Audax Artifex
/ September 28, 2011I love that 1st photographs so professional and the croissant look stunning wonderful job on this challenge. Cheers from Audax in Sydney Australia.
thefooddoctor
/ September 30, 2011Thank you Audax..I really couldn’t have done it without all your amazing tips and great advice
Mandy - The Complete Cook Book
/ September 28, 2011WOW – kudos on a job well done! I am hugely impressed and think your croissant are just perfect! Not sure I am brave enough to attempt these! I did, however eat more than my fair share of them while living in Mauritius!
Mandy
Have a super day.
thefooddoctor
/ September 28, 2011Thank you Mandy..I ate more than my fair share of these too loool
Manu
/ September 28, 2011OHHHH MY!!! These look perfect to me!!!! Can they ship????? I have never made croissants… I am terrified by the full process and I keep them at the bottom of my to cook list! But I would looooove to try! Great job!
thefooddoctor
/ September 28, 2011I wish you lived near by Manu! I would bake you baskit fulls of it
They were on the bottom of my list too! but fear can be defeated
Rizna
/ September 28, 2011I would love to make these….. I live in Abu dhabi and its 42 degrees today:( I guess I will have to be a little patient and wait….:(
thefooddoctor
/ September 28, 2011It was 35 here when I made them and it was a nightmare…I kept putting them back in the fridge every 5 minutes..
Cooler months will make this A LOT easier..thank you for stopping by
Kim
/ September 28, 2011Your photos are beautiful! I love the meat and cheese croissant on the picnic cloth. Nice job on the challenge!
thefooddoctor
/ September 28, 2011Thank you Kindly Kim
Asiya @ Chocolate & Chillies
/ September 28, 2011These look amazing!!! I love croissants but I know it’s not wise for me to make them…I would end up eating all of them!
thefooddoctor
/ September 28, 2011hehehe I know what you mean!
Shelley C
/ September 28, 2011Well I, for one, think that your croissants look awesome – shape and honeycomb included. They look flaky and delicious and absolutely fantastic. Really great job.
thefooddoctor
/ September 28, 2011Thank you so much Shelley..you are too kind
Liz
/ September 28, 2011Gorgeous croissants!!! I don’t see a single thing wrong with them
And I love that you included a Julia Child video…just perfect~
thefooddoctor
/ September 28, 2011You are too kind Liz…thank you
Rufus' Food and Spirits Guide
/ September 28, 2011Wait I got lost somewhere around 38, must go back. OK, seriously these turned out amazing. Great job!
thefooddoctor
/ September 28, 2011I know it can be confusing…I had step by step pictures but didn’t have the time to add them all
the video helps …I hope
Eva@ kitcheninspirations.wordpress.com
/ September 28, 2011I just watched the Julia Child video you posted. I can totally do this! THANK YOU! I have always wanted to make croissants! Wonderful. YOU have inspired me.
thefooddoctor
/ September 30, 2011I am really glad I did
I can’t wait to read all about your croissant making adventure..I know you’ll love it
Eva@ kitcheninspirations.wordpress.com/
/ October 1, 2011I spoke to one of the food stylists we work with (she is also a chef) and she mentioned that the most important thing is to keep the dough cool so the butter doesn’t melt. I have my dough resting in the refrigerator until tomorrow morning. I will fold in the butter. I have my fingers crossed. Your instructions are exceptional and the video makes it look easy. We shall see. Thank you!
Stefanie
/ September 28, 2011Wow…. you have more courage than me! Those look amazing! You did a wonderful job on them
Making croissants has always scared me, mostly I think because of the time investment… and rising… and rolling… but yours look great, so congrats!
thefooddoctor
/ September 30, 2011Thank you so much Stefanie..I was scared too! it turns out they are not so difficult..the worst part was actually waiting for them to rest time after time
ceciliag
/ September 28, 2011I find croissants completely irrisistable.. you are so clever, what a process!
thefooddoctor
/ September 30, 2011That is part of the risk in making them…they are irresistable! mine didn’t make it to the next morning lol
Eva@ kitcheninspirations.wordpress.com
/ September 28, 2011And again, I must take my hat off to you! Another difficult task, mastered! The croissants are beautiful! They must be so tasty. I will try this during our colder months.
thefooddoctor
/ September 30, 2011You are too kind Eva..if it wasn’t for the daring bakers I wouldn’t be doing and learning all this
Suz
/ September 28, 2011Fabulous croissants & your photos are absolutely gorgeous! The insides of your croissants look so buttery and fluffy. Mm. I could definitely go for a croissant sandwich now. That looks fantastic.
thefooddoctor
/ September 30, 2011Thank you Suz ..the sandwich was actually my favorite
yellowrockcountrygirl
/ September 28, 2011Your croissants look yummy. Makes me want to go make another batch. My husband likes the one made into a sandwich!
thefooddoctor
/ September 30, 2011I know what you mean..going through other daring bakers posts I keep thinking
I need to male croissants again SOON
Kristy
/ September 28, 2011Well, I for one think these are absolutely gorgeous croissants! I mean I could swear these were made in a bakery. You truly outdid yourself on this one. I can just taste these with the turkey and cheese. Delicious!!! Job well-done!
Too bad we can’t still get little gold stars like when we were in school. 
thefooddoctor
/ September 30, 2011hehehe I remember those! I would be over the top when I got one..can I tell you a little secret..I now buy my daughter those same stars for her home achievement board ..I can buy usual stickers but I find the stars irresistable lol
chicaandaluza
/ September 27, 2011I am hugely, enormously, gigantically impressed with this! Wow, they look amazing. Like you I have always been put off making them – possibly because of the time needed. Maybe when it´s cooler here I will have to just give them a go as I adore croissant and the look amazing. Did I say how imrpressed I am?!
thefooddoctor
/ September 28, 2011I am humbled by your kindness Tanya.. I know you will make amazing croissants when you decide to ..
thanx again for your sweet comment
kouky
/ September 27, 2011Gorgeous croissant Sawsen, stunning!! I love your beautiful présentation! Kisses!