Carla Halls Palmiers Recipe 465

CARLA HALL'S PALMIERS RECIPE - (4.6/5)

Steps:

• * Gently roll out puff pastry on a lightly sugared surface. Cut the pastry into rectangles, measuring 8 inches on the short side. * In a small bowl whisk together the 1/4 cup of sugar and cinnamon. * Sprinkle some cinnamon sugar mixture over one rectangle of pastry and the shaved chocolate over another rectangle of pastry. * Working from the short edge of a rectangle, gently roll to the center of the dough. Repeat with the opposite side so the rolled side touch in the center. * Place the dough on a parchment lined baking sheet. Repeat the rolling process with the remaining rectangles and place all on the baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes. * Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. * Remove dough from the freeze and allow to sit for 5 minutes. * Slice crosswise, 1/2-inch thick and place cut side up on a parchment lined baking sheet, spacing an inch apart. * Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar. * Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until deep golden brown and puffed. * Allow to cool before serving. ** Helpful Tips: * You can also do a chocolate palmier by sprinkling chocolate shavings over the dough before rolling it. * Freezing the dough ensures that the layers remain intact prior to baking. * While baking puff pastry, steam creates the light and flaky texture. If you open the oven, steam and heat are released, and the pastry is ruined. * This is a great dessert to keep in the freezer and bake at a moment's notice.

FLAKY BUTTERMILK BISCUITS

Steps:

• Brush softened butter on a sheet pan.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.
• In a large glass measuring cup measure the buttermilk. Add the shortening. With an immersion blender on high, blend the shortening into the buttermilk until smooth.
• Using a box grater, grate the cold butter into the flour. Toss until all of the pieces are coated. Lightly pinch the butter pieces into the flour.
• Lightly coat your work surface with nonstick cooking spray, then flour. (The spray keeps the flour in place.) Add the buttermilk/shortening mixture to the flour/butter mixture. Gently mix the dough with a rubber spatula until there are no dry bits of flour left. The dough should be slightly sticky.
• Transfer dough to the prepared work surface. Lightly coat your hands with flour and gently press the dough with the palms of your hands to form it into a smooth flat rectangle, 1/2-inch thick. Sprinkle the dough with flour, then fold it into thirds (like a letter). Pat the dough out again, sprinkle with a little flour, and fold it into thirds again. Turn the dough 90 degrees (this time folding in the open ends first.) Repeat one more time. Dough should no longer be sticky.
• With a floured 2- or 2 1/2- inch biscuit cutter, cut out dough rounds. Flip the rounds over so that the smooth sides that were against the work surface face up and place on the prepared pan, 1-inch apart. Stack the scraps and press and cut again. Refrigerate until cold, about 15 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Bake until the tops are golden brown and crisp, about 16 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes before serving hot.