Let’s Talk Cake

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I thought the subject of cake might be an interesting one. I no longer eat too many sweets but when I do I like to have a favorite pastry or cake I have not had in a long time. One of my favorite desserts is Napoleon cake or as it is known in French Mill – Feuille meaning a thousand leaves as it is of French origin. The traditional cake includes three layers of puff pastry which are filled in between with pastry cream or sometimes whipped cream or jam. The top layer can be dusted with powdered sugar or can be glazed with icing. Here are some ways it is prepared: Italy – here this cake is known as Mille Foglie and can be filled with a variety of fillings including cheese, pesto, or even spinach. In Italy, the layers of puff pastry can be alternated with layers of sponge cake depending on if you’re making a savory or sweet dessert. United Kingdom – here it is referred to as a vanilla slice or cream slice. Russia – the pastry layers are filled with either pastry cream or sweet butter. Canada – it is better known as gateaux Napoleon or Napoleon Slice. It consists of custard, whipped cream, or both which have been smeared between three layers of puff pastry. A most common variety is almond paste and the French Canada way differs in that the cake can be done with graham crackers in place of the puff pastry and the custard gets replaced by pudding. Sweden – the cake is referred to as Napoleonbakelse and it’s filled with jam, whipped cream, and custard. Currant jelly and icing glaze the top. Hungary – tops it with whipped cream and caramel. Belgium and the Netherlands – call this cake Tompouce referring to a cartoon character called Tom Poes. There are always two pastry layers which are pink but during national festivities orange. Hong Kong – makes it with layers of butter cream, chiffon cake, and at times walnuts. Philippines – consists of two layers of pastry cream or custard and it’s topped with sugar glaze. Poland – two layers of pastry slathered with thick cream and then the pastry is covered with powdered sugar. Morocco – layers of pastry with custard cream and topped with icing. Has anyone eaten a Napoleon? Wiki photo of a Napoleon