They may not be the prettiest croissants ever, but they taste amazing.
When I was growing up we would visit my grandparents in Columbus, OH for a few weeks every summer. That was my favorite time of year and my very favorite place to be. My best memories of my grandparents house are of breakfasts on their screened-in porch. I'm a morning person and always have been, so I was usually the first one up after my grandpa got out of bed and headed down to make coffee. If I think hard I can still remember the smells of coffee, his mouthwash when he kissed me on the head, fresh honey dew melon and toast made from white bread. That's what a good morning smells like to me.
The next thing I remember is the sound of mourning doves at the feeder right outside of the porch and an early-morning flight passing overhead. The rest of the time we were there was filled with various activities, but those mornings truly are my favorite memory.
A few of the mornings when we would visit I'd wake up early to find my grandfather and my mom already gone. Soon they'd be back carrying a box of fresh croissants from the local French bakery. The name of the bakery is on the tip of my tongue, but I can't seem to remember it. I don't even remember if they're still open, but I think they closed years ago. What I do remember are their buttery warm croissants, and how they were pure heaven. Some would have a fruity or chocolate filling, but, picky eater that I was, I always preferred the plain variety.
I started the dough for the croissants yesterday morning. I used Julia Child's recipe, and right at the beginning she tells you that it takes 12 hours to make these croissants. I did half the recipe yesterday, and following the tips she adds in along the way, I refrigerated the dough after the second rise so that I could finish them today. I started this morning at 9 and they still weren't ready until 2 this afternoon. Even though the process was tedious, it was fun and well worth it. With the first bite, my mind sailed back to childhood summers and my grandparents' house. I haven't had a croissant that good or fresh in a long, long time.
If you have a spare 12 hours, yeast, and 2 sticks of butter, I strongly recommend giving croissants a try.
3 comments:
My favorite breakfast food is chocolate croissants. They are so delicious (if made correctly).
What a great story. We just got back from camping - and I remembered how much better food tastes when you eat it outdoors.
I want a croissant now. hmm.
Mmmmm...now i'm wishing I had croissants for lunch instead of stupid lean cuisine. Those sound delicious!
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