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Valentine's Day: Napoleon Pastry Hearts

Source of Recipe

Internet


List of Ingredients

1 - 15 ounce package frozen pie crust, thawed
1 cup whipping cream
1 cup Strawberries, sliced
2 Strawberry fans (with stems), 1 per person, (instructions follow)
2 mint sprigs, 1 per person
1 teaspoon powdered sugar
Strawberry Coulis (a simple recipe below)
a plastic squirt bottle for the strawberry coulis
Chocolate syrup
heart-shaped cookie cutter




Recipe

Remove the two folded pie crusts from the package and roll out slightly to make them smooth. Using the heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out 3 hearts per person. Place them on a cookie sheet and bake until just lightly colored, 4 to 8 minutes. Do not let them brown. Remove from the oven and place on a rack to cool. They can be baked ahead of time and covered at room temperature until ready to use.

MAKE STRAWBERRY FAN
Place a strawberry with the stem end down on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife and make 1/8-inch slices, cutting straight down, but not completely through the strawberry. Place the cut strawberry on it's side and carefully fan out the slices. This can be done ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.


MAKE STRAWBERRY COULIS
2 - 3 Strawberries, stems removed
1/2 teaspoon Cornstarch

Cut the strawberries into very small pieces and place them in a small fine sieve; with the back of a spoon, push the strawberries through to remove the seeds.

Put the strained liquid in a small microwaveable container, add the cornstarch, mix well and microwave for 1 minute, stir well again, and microwave again until the mixture thickens. Remove from the microwave and transfer the mixture to a plastic squeeze bottle and refrigerate until ready to use. This can be made ahead of time. When ready to use, place the container in the microwave for a few seconds so that it is soft enough to use.


ASSEMBLY:
Whip the whipping cream. Put a small dollop of whipping cream on each plate off to the side and add a sprig of mint. Place one pastry heart on each plate, add a small amount of whipping cream and some sliced strawberries. Place another pastry heart on top of the strawberries, add more whipping cream and strawberries. Top with the third pastry heart.

Dust the top of each napoleon with powdered sugar. Using the chocolate, make an interesting design on the top of each pastry heart. Add the strawberry fan to the plate. Using the squirt bottle with the strawberry coulis, make a design of your choice on the side of each plate and serve.