Daring Bakers' September Challenge

The September 2009 Daring Bakers' challenge was hosted by Steph of A Whisk and a Spoon. She chose the French treat, Vols-au-Vent based on the Puff Pastry recipe by Michel Richard from the cookbook Baking With Julia by Dorie Greenspan.

I put this challenge off until the very last minute. I made the puff pastry today, as a matter of fact, which is reveal day. Ask Mr. T and he will atest to the anxiety that I have been feeling ever since finding out that September's recipe challenge would be Vols-au-Vent made with puff pastry from scratch. I have always wanted to try making my own puff pastry but never had the courage to try it. What is a Vols-au-Vent? It's essentially puff pastry that is shaped into cups and then filled with sweet or savory fillings. Sounds tasty, right?

So I woke up this morning on a mission to get these babies rolled out. The recipe is not really that difficult at all, much to my relief, although I did have a few meltdowns when my one pound butter block didn't come together as nicely as I had wanted it to and then I had some butter oozing problems. I finally set my fears aside and just went for it.

The moment of truth came when I pulled the tray out of the oven. Most of my puffs had fallen over and were sadly slumped but they puffed! At least they puffed!

Check out the puffy, buttery layers of goodness.

I think I know why they slumped and will be able to remedy it for next time. They were kind of cute in their bent over kind of way and they tasted crispy and buttery and wonderful. I filled them with spicy, curry beef with carrots and peas. I'm glad that I've somewhat overcome my fear of making my own puff pastry. I'd like to try it again but until then I have the other half of this recipe tucked safely away in the freezer.