Ep 3. Puff Pastry

In Bake With Anna Olson season 1 episode 3, viewers are treated to a comprehensive lesson on the art of making puff pastry. As with all of Anna Olson's recipes, the emphasis is on clear, step-by-step instructions that will allow even novice bakers to create impressive pastries.

The episode begins with an introduction to the history of puff pastry, which can be traced back to the French in the 17th century. Olson then moves on to demonstrating the basic technique for making the pastry dough, emphasizing the importance of keeping the butter and dough at the same temperature to achieve that flaky, buttery texture that puff pastry is known for.

Once the dough has been prepared, Olson instructs viewers on how to properly roll out and fold the dough to create the classic layers that give puff pastry its distinct texture. Throughout the segment, she provides helpful tips on how to avoid common mistakes, such as rolling the dough too thin or not chilling it long enough.

With the puff pastry prepared, the episode moves on to showcasing a variety of sweet and savory pastries that can be made with the dough. Olson demonstrates how to make classic French palmiers (also known as elephant ears), as well as delicious cheese twists and ham and cheese pinwheels.

For the sweet-toothed viewer, Olson also demonstrates how to make a decadent apple tarte Tatin, a classic French dessert that pairs perfectly with a dollop of vanilla ice cream. Finally, she finishes off with a show-stopping strawberry mille-feuille that is sure to impress even the most discerning pastry lover.

Throughout the episode, Olson emphasizes the importance of patience and attention to detail when working with puff pastry. She encourages viewers to take their time and enjoy the process, weaving in helpful tips and tricks along the way.

In addition to the step-by-step instructions, the episode is full of beautiful shots of the finished pastries, offering plenty of inspiration for budding bakers. As always, Olson's warm and engaging teaching style is on full display, making the episode both informative and enjoyable to watch.

Overall, Bake With Anna Olson season 1 episode 3 is a must-watch for anyone interested in mastering the art of puff pastry. With Olson's expert guidance, viewers are sure to come away with a newfound appreciation for this classic pastry and the skills to create impressive pastries of their own.