Yum! It’s Croissant Day!

Wherever we may wander in life, there are always special memories of those places in the past. I grew up just outside the tiny town of Florin, long since gone, swallowed between the expansions of Sacramento and neighboring Elk Grove.

Florin was the Strawberry Capital of the World before World War II and the removal of so many Japanese farmers who cultivated a land they could not legally own. My children were born in Sacramento. While the capital of a great state, Sacramento had not yet outgrown it’s cow-town feel. And no one back then felt the need to lock their door. Kiddo spend the first 10 years of his life in Las Vegas. That’s a place with a split personality. Per Capita, there are more places of worship in Las Vegas than any other city. Yet the strip and all it’s reputation as Sin City is what most people know.

I do miss Las Vegas. The restaurants alone are reason enough to miss it. And the themed Casinos were convenient. If I wanted to host an Italian Supper, look no further than the shops at the Venetian for an assortment of appetizers and desserts that were truly, authentically Italian. And Paris boasted the very best pastry shops. The world was easily at your finger tips.

Here in my little Ag-town existence, I’ve learned to make the best of what is available. Don’t get me wrong – there is much to love here. The people are good, church going folks. It’s a good life, but I do miss a real, honest to goodness Croissant. That said, if you shop quality and do a little doctoring you can celebrate National Croissant Day even in the sticks of Central California.

Strawberry Filled Croissants with Almond Whipped Cream
Almond Whipped Cream
1 cup Heavy Cream
2 teaspoons Almond Extract
1/4 cup Powdered Sugar

Note: The cream will whip up faster if the bowl and whisk attachment are chilled in the freezer for 20 minutes before beginning.

Place heavy cream in the chilled bowl of a stand mixer. Add almond extract. Begin whipping on low speed, increasing as the cream thickens. Add powdered sugar once the mixer has reached medium speed, then increase to high.

Whip until firm peaks form. Keep cream chilled until ready to use.

Strawberry Filled Croissants
1 pint Strawberries
1 tablespoon sugar
6 quality Bakery Croissants

Trim and slice strawberries. Place in a chilled bowl. Sprinkle with sugar, toss and refrigerate for 20 minutes.

Lay croissants out on a cutting board, split open. Drain strawberries of accumulated moisture. Spoon strawberries evenly on the bottom of the croissants. Top with Almond Cream. Complete with the top of the croissant. Arrange on a platter and serve.

Beautiful as a dessert or part of a spring brunch.

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Christ is mediator of a new covenant: since a death has taken place for deliverance from transgressions under the first covenant, those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance.