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Rolls made from a simple, delicious, croissant recipe which takes a fraction of effort required than traditional croissants.
Never in a million years would we have dreamed that, in less than seven year's time, we'd be blessed with five delightful grandchildren! Four of them belong to our daughter, Cait and her husband- the daughter who always dreamed of being "the career woman", living in the big city, having the big job, the thought of a family existing only in the quite distant future and then along came Prince Charming and EVERYTHING changed. And I do mean everything!
So nowadays they're Mom and Dad extraordinaire; with three girls and a baby boy in tow, we lovingly (and laughingly) refer to them as "the herd."
"The herd from London" that is, since that's where they've made their home for the past three years.
Scott and I get super excited when we get the opportunity to spend time with them, so with our "herd" arriving from across the "big pond" tomorrow afternoon, I've had fun planning some special things including these fun French Piggies for the girlies.
Are you wondering why I call them "French"? They don't look particularly sophisticated or debonair like you would expect "French" pigs to look? I must agree, you're quite right, but I do have a very authentic reason for calling them "French". You see they're made from a super simple, super delicious, croissant recipe which takes a fraction of the time and effort required than traditional French croissants. So they're not only cute and fun.... they're flaky, buttery and very delicious, just like the real deal!
I saw the "piggy" idea on a Croatian blog called Coolinarika (the literal translation is Smile - don't you love that?!) I had a hard time deciphering the recipe, so I used my own croissant recipe, but their technique for the cute little pig faces. They turned out fun and perfect for a celebration, especially if you're expecting "a herd". Can you imagine the delight on your guest's faces when they peek under the white napkin in the bread basket and see these guys staring back out?
P.S. See the yummy jam in the photo? It's become a favorite here at The Cafe; a fabulous Ruby Red Grapefruit & Strawberry Marmalade. It's a quick and easy freezer marmalade, fresh and beyond delicious - check back later this week for the recipe!
French Piggy Croissant Rolls
Ingredients:
5 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 cup warm water,
¼ cup butter, melted
5 cups flour
1 cup cold butter
⅓ cup sugar
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
1 large egg, beaten
¾ cup whole milk
1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon waterDirections:
1. Cut butter into small pieces and spread out on a dinner size plate. Place plate in the freezer while you're doing steps 2 and 3.2. Place warm water in a large bowl. Add yeast and sugar and stir well. Let sit for 5-10 minutes or until foamy and bubbly.
3. Add melted butter, 1 cup of flour, sugar and salt and stir to combine. Cover with a kitchen towel and set in a warm place for 30 minutes.
4. Add milk and egg. Stir until smooth.
5. Put remaining 4 cups flour in the bowl of a food processor and add the 1 cup of cold butter. Mix briefly until mixture is like coarse crumbs. Don't over mix, you want small bits of butter to make a flaky dough. Add to yeast mixture and stir until all flour is incorporated but again, don't overmix. Cover and let sit in the fridge for 8 hours (or overnight).
6. Line two sheet pans with parchment paper and set aside.
7. Punch dough down and divide into two equal sections. Knead one section on a lightly floured surface about 6 times. Roll into a circle,¼ inch thick. With a 3 inch circle cutter, cut as many circles as you can (about 12) and place them 2 inches apart on one of the prepared sheet pans.
8. Using leftover scraps of dough and a small circle cutter about 1 inch in diameter, (I used a turkey baster without the bulb) cut out same number of small circles for the noses.
9. For ears, use a slightly larger cutter (I used the lid of a spice container). about 1 ½ inches in diameter. Cut out half as many of these smaller circles. Cut each of these circles in half, then in quarters.
10. Brush larger circles with egg wash. Place smaller circles on lower center portion of circles for noses. Place two quartered sections on upper sides of circles for ears. Use peppercorns, coriander seeds or other small edible seeds for the eyes and the nostrils. Carefully brush all over with egg wash, trying to keep egg mixture from dripping onto parchment paper. Allow to rise for 20 minutes, uncovered.
11. Bake for 15 -20 minutes or until light golden brown. Remove from oven and place on a rack to cool.
12. Repeat with remaining half of dough.
Amelia says
Hi Chris, these piggies look so cute and adorable. I like the Mr & Mrs Cafe, the little flowers on Mrs. Cafe look so pretty.
Have a wonderful day ahead.
Martha says
oink oink, they made me smile 🙂 so cute!!
bellini says
These are so much fun for the kids and kids at heart. Enjoy your time with your family aka "herd."
Ms Lemon of Make Mine Lemon says
You are so fun. I just love coming here to see what you have made. Do you think this recipe could be halved? I cook in small batches and even if I froze them I would have to go buy a new freezer.
Hope you have fun with your herd, but I know you will.
Debby Foodiewife says
OMG, these are the cutest things I've seen in a long time! I'd love to make these. They'd definitely strike up conversation.
Georgia | The Comfort of Cooking says
Oh wow, how adorable and fun! Enjoy your family time!
Angie Schneider says
These piggies look so adorable! Have some fun with your herd, Chris.
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
They are adorable Chris! I especially like Mr & Mrs Cafe at the end. You must be so excited to have everyone together very soon.
twodogsinthekitchen says
Those are absolutely adorable! They sound really good too. I love that you do such fun foods ideas for your grandchildren. The marmalade looks super too! Enjoy your time with the 'herd' 😉
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You says
Chris: Mr. and Mrs. Café are lovely!!!! If my girls would see them, they would smile wide and ask me to make for them.
Susan says
These are just darling, Chris! I'm sure all the kiddos will love them! And thanks for your recipe. I've always wanted to try making croissants and your recipe seems like a perfect place to start!
Pondside says
I can just imagine the delight when the children see the little piggies. You're an amazing granny!
Mr. & Mrs. P says
How cute are these!!!!! What flowers did you use for the last photo??
Mr. & Mrs. P says
How cute are these!!!!! What flowers did you use for the last photo??
Foodycat says
Perfect for middle of the night parties!
Kim G. says
These little cute rolls looks quite good and the marmalade, yummy!!!!!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
Chris, these are the cutest croissant piggies i've ever seen. The "herd" will devour them! 🙂
Vicki V @ blestnest.blogspot.com says
Adorable! Can't wait for the marmalade recipe!
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
Have a wonderful visit with your herd! How fun. Everyone including the beautiful new Emery all together. What a blessing! The little piggies are so cute and I bet they are flaky and delicious. Have a wonderful week.
Happier Than a Pig in Mud says
Super cute! Bet they be a big hit-enjoy your visit:@)
Jennifer@ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
I LOVE them! I love little piggie and you did such a great job making these croissants! I am loving the Mr & Mrs Café! I don't know if next weekend, I should attempt to make your recipe? My piggies would not turn out cute at all!! Have fun with your family!!
Hovkonditorn says
These are so cute! I bet the girls are going to love them!
Jen Laceda | Tartine and Apron Strings says
Oh, FUN! They are the most amazing-looking croissant rolls!
Ginny says
These Piggies are just beyond adorable!! How could I ever eat one? I might hear a loud oink of protest...
Jemma says
What a darling post, you are just so talented in cooking and writing!!
I made your Easter Bundt cake today!! I am in love! I followed your directions ever so carefully and presto it popped out of the oven cooked to perfection and delightful to the taste! May I write a post about it, with linking back to you?
Hope you had a lovely Easter.
Thanks a bunch!!
Jemma
The Café Sucré Farine says
Jemma, I'm so happy your cake turned out so well! I'd be happy for you to do a post about the cake. Thanks for your kind words!