I decided to bake Croissants today! 
The process was delightful and the aroma of freshly baked croissants filled my kitchen with warmth and comfort.


Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast 

– 1 cup warm milk 

– 1/3 cup sugar 

– 2 tsp salt 

– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 

– 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced 

– 1 egg, beaten for egg wash 

Preparation Steps:
1. In a bowl, mix warm milk with yeast and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Stir in sugar and salt. Gradually add the flour, kneading until a smooth dough forms. Cover and chill for 30 minutes. 

2. On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a large rectangle. Place the diced butter in the center of the dough and fold the sides over the butter, enclosing it completely. Roll out the dough again and fold it in thirds like a letter. Chill for another 30 minutes. 

3. Repeat the rolling and folding process twice more, chilling the dough for 30 minutes between each fold. After the final fold, refrigerate for 1 hour. 

4. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the dough into a large circle, then cut into triangles. Roll each triangle tightly from the base to the tip to form croissants. Place on a baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. 

5. Allow the croissants to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the flaky layers and buttery richness! 

Prep Time: 2 hours
Serving Size: 12 croissants
Calorie Count per serving: Approximately 240 calories
Notes: For a perfect rise, ensure the dough is adequately rested and chilled between folds. Experiment with different fillings like chocolate or almond paste for delicious variations. How do you plan to enjoy your freshly baked croissants today? 


