National Croissant Day

A croissant is a delicious French pastry, known by its crescent shape. (Croissant means crescent in French). Puff pastry is used to make this delicacy – the dough is layered with butter, rolled and folded a few times, then rolled into its shape. It is then glazed with butter and baked. It is perfect served warm with some strawberry jam on the side.

Five fun facts:

1. The original croissant was called Kipfel and originated in Austria in 1683. It was created in honor of the Austrian victory over the Turks and modeled after the crescent on the Turkish flag. (Some historians say the croissant originated in Hungary)
2. August Zang, an Austrian artillery officer, is credited with bringing the croissant to France when he opened his own Viennese bakery in Paris. (Some say it was Marie Antoinette who brought the croissant to France…)
3. The Croissant became the French national product in 1920.
4. The Croissant started as a luxury product, but by the end of the nineteenth century, it was middle-class (the rich preferred a good brioche).
5. Before the modern croissant, puff pastry was used as a garnish or shell, not to eat on its own.

Five pastry recipes:

1. Puff Pastry Apple Purses – This dessert is like a present. You discover a treat all wrapped up in puff pastry: a soft, sweet apple. This is a lighter dessert and pretty low in calories if you skip the non-dairy ice cream. After all, it’s your apple for the day. Or you could serve it as a complement to a richer dessert if you want to give people two options.
2. Baked Brie in Pastry– Remarkably easy to prepare, baked brie makes an elegant party appetizer and it is perfect for brunch, too.
3. Mini Spanakopita– Spinach and feta wrapped in buttered phyllo dough—need I say more?
4. Mushroom & Leek Galette– Perfect as an appetizer, or as a vegetarian main dish; This savory Mushroom & Leek Galette is a delicious addition to any party!
5. Pastry Dough – Whether you’re making your own puff pastry dough to avoid trans-fats, or because of soy allergies or the high cost of store-bought pastry, here is a phenomenal recipe to try.

Click for more pastry recipes.

Nutritional Information for one 57 g croissant:

Calories:  231
Fat: 12  g
Carbohydrates: 26  g
Cholesterol: 38  mg
Sodium:  198 mg
Protein: 5  g
Sugars: 6 g