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How to make easy Vols au vent Cases

How to make easy Vols au vent Cases

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Vol au Vent, plural Vols au Vent (meaning flight in the wind, probably because the puff pastry is very light and airy)  are baked cases of puff pastry, filled as with either chicken, game, or fish or seafood, such as prawns, in a cream sauce.

Vols-au-vent are often served as appetizers, side dishes, or even main courses depending on the type of filling used. They are known for their light and flaky texture, making them a versatile and elegant choice in French cuisine.

vols au vent baked image

I spotted these Vols au vent at my friend Dharm’s site, shortly after Christmas. I had heard of vols au vent but never made them myself and thought they were something difficult to make.

These vols au vent will be filled and sent to Psychgrad, of  Equal Opportunity Kitchen, who is getting married soon and will choose some recipes from her Tried Tested and True 3:  Wedding Edition,  to cook for her guests.

Psychgrad, you won’t believe how easy they are.

Makes:  16 big one, 16 small ones, and about 6 -8 additional with leftovers

Ingredients:

All you need is 1 packet (2 sheets) of  puff pastry and not more than a tablespoon of olive oil.

To begin with, all you have to do is thaw the puff pastry but not completely, just enough to be able to cut it. I used two cookie cutters, one bigger than the other.

I lined a baking tin with parchment paper and cut as many circles from one sheet. I then brushed the edge of each circle with olive oil and started cutting the second sheet with the same cookie cutter.

How to cut vols au vent image

I then used the smaller one and cut a  second circle (different shape) in the middle.

vols au vent before baking image

Preheat oven at 180o C and bake for about 15 minutes until you get the right golden colour.

Remove from the oven and while they are still hot push the puffed pastry in the middle with a spoon to make it hollow. Set aside until they cool down before filling.

Here’s what to do with the leftover dough after making vols au vent

Do not discard the cut puff pastry which was leftover after making the circles.

leftover dough from vols au vent image

Knead all the bits and pieces together and roll the dough in between the two plastic sheets the puff pastry was on, into a rectangular shape about 1 cm thick.

Using leftover dough after making vols au vent image

Here’s what I did with it.  I sprinkled some sugar and cinnamon at all the surface.

I then rolled and I cut it into 1 cm slices.
Then, I joined the edges and putting the plastic sheet on top, I flattened them a bit.
I then added about a tablespoon sugar in a plate with some cinnamon and dipped them in that mixture.
I placed them in a baking tray with parchment paper and baked them until golden on top, for about 20 minutes.

By the time the first batched of vols au vent was baked I had these ready.

Using leftover dough image

I made 12 of these, so no puff pastry was wasted at all.

Baked dough with cinnamon and sugar image

I made both a savoury and a sweet filling which you can see in my post.

I am in Cyprus today and have programmed the post to be published whilst I am away and unfortunately your replies will appear only after I return from Cyprus unless I have access to the internet from my relatives’ computer, he,he,he,  shall see…

Vols au vent shells image

How to make easy Vols au Vent Cases

Yield: 16
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Active Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Difficulty: easy
Estimated Cost: 3 - 5 Euros

The puff pastry vol-au-vent cases, characterized by their crispy and flaky texture, serve as an ideal foundation for a range of your preferred fillings. They can be prepared in advance, filled just before serving, making them an excellent choice for a classic retro canapé or appetizer!

Materials

  • Frozen Puff Pastry, thawed
  • Olive oil

Tools

  • Rolling Pin: For rolling out the puff pastry slightly.
  • Pastry Cutters: For cutting out the desired shapes of vols-au-vent:
  • 1 - 6cm round or square cookie cutter
  • 1 - 4cm round cookie cutter, of any shape
  • A knife: To loosen the edges of the puff pastry.
  • Baking Sheets: To bake the puff pastry.
  • Parchment Paper: For lining the baking sheets.

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 180ËšC / 160ËšC, if fan forced.
  2. Thaw the puff pastry.
  3. Using the 6 cm cookie cutter cut circles.
  4. Then using the 4 cm cookie cutter cut smaller circles, to create rings of puff pastry.
  5. Lightly brush the edges of the 6 cm circles and place the rings on top.
  6. Press gently with your fingers to join the two together.
  7. Lay the circles on a baking tin lined with parchment paper.
  8. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden.
  9. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool for a while. Then with a small spoon press the centre inside the hole, to make it hollow.
  10. Leave to cool completely before adding the filling of your choice.

Notes

To make ahead:

Store in an airtight container overnight or in the fridge for up to 3 days, reheating in a moderate oven or in the air fryer (180ËšC / 160ËšC if fan forced) for a couple of minutes to heat up.

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

Collage how to make vols au vent cases image

Kopiaste and Kali Orexi,

Signature Ivy image

 

 

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Aparna

Monday 9th of February 2009

I really like these, Ivy. The only problem is that I would have to make the puff pastry too and then its not easy anymore.:(

Peter

Sunday 8th of February 2009

Very resourceful of you to use up the trimmed puff pastry. Vols au vent make a 1st course so exciting, many possiblities. Hope you're having fun in Cyprus.

deeba

Saturday 7th of February 2009

What a fab idea. I saw these at Dharm's too, but making phyllo from scratch seems like hard work to me. Am envious that you guys get it ready made. Have a good time in Cyprus Ivy...

Bunny

Saturday 7th of February 2009

I love puff pastry Ivy, I love your cut outs! I hope you have a wonderful time away!

Cakelaw

Saturday 7th of February 2009

These are very clever Ivy - a great idea!

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