Croissants: Unraveling Theories from Dough to Universe

Croissants are one of the most delicious and popular pastries in the world. They are buttery, flaky, and melt-in-your-mouth. But they are also one of the most challenging and time-consuming pastries to make. They require skill, patience, and dedication. In this blog post, I will explain how to make croissants, why they are worth the effort, and what we can learn from them.

How to make croissants

To make croissants, you need the following ingredients: flour, water, yeast, sugar, salt, butter, egg, and milk. You also need a rolling pin, a baking sheet, a knife, and a pastry brush.

The process of making croissants involves several steps:

First, you need to make a yeast dough by mixing flour, water, yeast, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours.

Second, you need to make a butter layer by pounding and rolling butter with some flour between two sheets of parchment paper. The butter layer should be about 20 x 15 cm in size. Refrigerate it until firm.

Third, you need to laminate the dough by rolling it into a 40 x 20 cm rectangle on a floured surface. Place the butter layer in the center of the dough and fold the dough over it like a letter. Roll the dough again into a 60 x 20 cm rectangle and fold it into thirds again. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 30 minutes. Repeat this rolling and folding process two more times, chilling the dough between each turn.

Fourth, you need to shape the croissants by rolling the dough into a large rectangle about 60 x 30 cm on a floured surface. Cut the dough into triangles with two equal sides using a knife or a pizza cutter. Stretch each triangle slightly and roll it from the base to the tip, tucking the tip under the croissant. Curve the ends of the croissant inward to form a crescent shape. Place the croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them. Cover them with lightly greased plastic wrap and let them rise for about 2 hours or until doubled in size.

Fifth, you need to bake the croissants by preheating the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6. Whisk an egg with some milk and brush it over the croissants. Bake them for about 18 minutes or until golden and puffy. Let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

Making croissants may seem like a daunting task, but there are many reasons why they are worth the effort:

They taste amazing. There is nothing like biting into a warm, fresh, homemade croissant that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The buttery flavor and aroma are irresistible.

They are versatile. You can enjoy croissants plain or with jam, honey, cheese, ham, chocolate, or any filling of your choice. You can also use them to make sandwiches, bread pudding, or other dishes.

They are rewarding. Making croissants is an art that requires practice and precision. When you succeed in making them, you feel a sense of accomplishment and pride. You also get to share your delicious creations with your family and friends.

Making croissants can teach us many valuable lessons that we can apply to other areas of our lives:

Making croissants is not easy, but it is worth it in the end. The same is true for any goal or project that we pursue. If we work hard and persistently towards our desired outcome we shall eventually reach it and enjoy it. Diligence yields rewards. Preparing croissants demands patience and precision, yet the end result justifies the effort. This principle applies universally; endeavors met with persistence and dedication lead to the fruition of our aspirations, ensuring their eventual enjoyment.

Embrace the process. Much like the step-by-step artistry of croissant-making, many undertakings in life necessitate methodical progression. Each fold and turn mirrors the incremental progress required to accomplish our goals.

Savor the multifaceted. Croissants, with their versatility in accompaniments and applications, remind us of life's diversity. Embrace the multitude of options available to us, whether in flavors, experiences, or opportunities.

Share and savor success. Just as the joy of freshly baked croissants is amplified when shared, our triumphs in life are made richer through shared celebration. The camaraderie and connection that result from our shared accomplishments enrich our journey.

Now to the fun part

Croissant Vs. Big BangTheory

The Big Bang Theory, a cornerstone of cosmology, unravels the origin and evolution of our universe. It posits a colossal explosion, transpiring approximately 13.8 billion years ago, birthing space, time, matter, and radiation, ultimately paving the way for celestial bodies and life.

In the croissant analogy, envision the dough embodying the initial concentrated point of matter and energy. As the dough is rolled and folded with butter, it mirrors the expansive and cooling universe. When cut into varied shapes and sizes, the resulting croissants echo the kaleidoscope of cosmic structures. The baking process, generating heat and light, aptly reflects the radiant energy permeating the universe.

Croissant Vs. Conflict Theory

Conflict Theory, a cornerstone of sociological thought, spotlights power dynamics, inequality, and societal discord. It contends that society comprises diverse factions vying for limited resources, be it wealth, status, or influence. These factions bear contrasting interests, values, and objectives, often culminating in clashes. Moreover, Conflict Theory posits that transformative social shifts arise from movements challenging prevailing hierarchies.

Translating this theory to croissant creation, envisage the butter symbolizing coveted resources sought after by distinct groups. As butter is spread over the dough, it illustrates the unequal resource allocation favoring specific factions. Folding the dough over the butter encapsulates layers of conflict stemming from group competition and strife. The ensuing croissant variations reflect the resultant outcomes, contingent on each group's share of the butter.

Croissant Vs.  Existentialism

Existentialism delves into the essence and purpose of human existence, asserting that individuals possess autonomy and accountability for their choices and actions. It champions the uniqueness, subjectivity, and authenticity of human beings, delving into themes of absurdity, anxiety, and freedom.

The croissant analogy aligns with existentialist ideals in its celebration of individuality and autonomy. Just as each croissant takes on a distinct form, individuals forge their own paths and meanings. The act of creating croissants embodies the freedom to shape one's own narrative, while the existentialist exploration of absurdity and anxiety finds echoes in the intricate process of croissant-making.

As we delve into the world of croissants, we unearth a profound connection between the art of baking and the vast expanse of human knowledge. Just as the layers of dough and butter symbolize the expanding universe, so too do they represent the complexities and intricacies of the theories that shape our understanding of the world. So, the next time you savor a buttery, flaky croissant, let it serve as a reminder of the boundless creativity and ingenuity that permeate both the culinary and intellectual realms.

Peace Out