Save Experience the playful elegance of the Tour d'Éléphant Goûter Gourmand, a whimsical multi-layered snack tower that masterfully balances sweet and savory flavors. Perfectly suited for an indulgent afternoon tea or a delightful family gathering, this French fusion creation invites you to assemble and savor its charming layers, from rich chocolate brownies and fresh strawberries to cheesy gougères and crisp cucumber slices.
Save With a preparation time of just 30 minutes and a cooking time of 20 minutes, this recipe is both manageable and rewarding. The contrasting textures of moist brownies, fluffy madeleines, creamy cheese, and fresh vegetables create a harmonious taste experience that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
- Sweet Layers
- 6 mini madeleines
- 6 small chocolate brownies
- 6 strawberries, hulled and halved
- 100 g whipped cream
- Savory Layers
- 6 mini cheese gougères
- 6 slices cucumber
- 6 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 60 g herbed cream cheese
- Garnishes
- 2 tbsp chopped pistachios
- 2 tbsp honey
- Fresh mint leaves, for decoration
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the sweet and savory components as needed (bake madeleines, brownies, and gougères if not using store-bought).
- 2. Assemble the first layer by placing a gougère on a serving platter. Top with a dollop of herbed cream cheese and a slice of cucumber.
- 3. Stack a brownie atop the savory base. Add a small swirl of whipped cream and a strawberry half.
- 4. Place a madeleine on the next layer, followed by a cherry tomato half and a touch of cream cheese.
- 5. Repeat the stacking process for each serving, arranging layers in alternating sweet and savory order to create a tower.
- 6. Drizzle lightly with honey, sprinkle with chopped pistachios, and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
- 7. Serve immediately as an eye-catching snack tower.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Ensure all baked goods are cooled before assembling to maintain the structure of the tower. Using a piping bag for the cream cheese and whipped cream helps create neat and manageable layers. Fresh ingredients like cucumber and strawberries add brightness and moisture, so use ripe produce for best results.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a nut-free version, simply omit the pistachios from the garnish. Gluten-free options can be achieved by substituting gluten-free baked goods for madeleines, brownies, and gougères. To add more savory complexity, try including smoked salmon or cured ham in place of some sweet layers, adjusting the cream cheese as needed.
Serviervorschläge
Serve the Tour d'Éléphant Goûter Gourmand immediately to enjoy the freshness of the ingredients and the visual appeal of the tower. This snack pairs wonderfully with a light tea, sparkling water with a twist of lemon, or a crisp white wine to complement its layers of flavor.
Save Whether gathered around the table with family or hosting a whimsical afternoon tea, the Tour d'Éléphant Goûter Gourmand promises to enchant with its creative presentation and delightful medley of flavors.
Recipe FAQs
- → What ingredients create the sweet layers?
Sweet layers consist of mini madeleines, small chocolate brownies, strawberries, and whipped cream.
- → Which savory elements are included in the tower?
Savory layers feature mini cheese gougères, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and herbed cream cheese.
- → How is the snack tower assembled?
Layers are stacked alternating sweet and savory items, topped with cream cheese, drizzled with honey, and sprinkled with pistachios and mint leaves.
- → Can this be adapted for dietary restrictions?
Yes, pistachios can be omitted for nut-free options, and gluten-free baked goods can be used to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
- → What tools are recommended for preparation?
Utilize a baking sheet, piping bag for cream, a sharp knife, and a serving platter to assemble the tower neatly.
- → What flavor contrasts make this snack tower appealing?
The combination of sweet madeleines and brownies with savory gougères and fresh vegetables creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures.