Issues → March/April 2008 → Food → Eating New Englandy →

7. Boston Cream Pie

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Omni Parker House

In addition to its famous Boston scrod and Parker House rolls, this hotel's kitchen is said to have invented this custard-filled, chocolate-glazed sponge cake (see the recipe, right). Sometimes nothing but the original (in these elegant surroundings) will do. Massachusetts' legislators agreed, making Boston cream pie the state dessert in 1996.

Boston Cream Pie

Pies and Pastries Recipes

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Preparation Time: 45 minutes

Start to Finish Time: 1.25 hours

Yield: 12 servings

Adapted from Omni Parker House recipe

• 7 large eggs
• 1 cup sugar, divided
• 1 cup flour
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for greasing
• Pastry Cream, divided
• Chocolate Fondant
• White Fondant
• 4 ounces almonds, toasted

Heat oven to 350°. Separate egg whites and yolks. Add 1/2 cup sugar to each and beat well. (Beat whites to stiff peaks.) Fold whites into yolks. Add flour 1/4 cup at a time, stirring just until incorporated. Mix butter in. Pour into a 10-inch, lightly greased cake pan. Bake 20 minutes, or until spongy and golden.

Remove from oven and cool. Cut cake in half horizontally, making two layers. Spread Pastry Cream over one layer, reserving 1 cup. Top with second cake layer. Spread a thin layer of Chocolate Fondant on top. Using a pastry bag, pipe White Fondant in spiral lines, starting from the center. Score lines with the point of a paring knife, starting at the center and pulling out to the edge. Spread a thin coating of reserved Pastry Cream on the sides and press toasted almonds onto it.

Pastry Cream

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups light cream
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3-1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 6 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon dark rum

In a small saucepan over high heat, bring butter, milk, and cream to a boil. In a small bowl, combine sugar, cornstarch, and eggs; whip until ribbons form. Whisk egg mixture into hot liquid and boil 1 minute. Pour into a bowl and cover surface with plastic wrap. Chill overnight if possible. When ready to use, whisk in rum.

Chocolate Fondant

• 6 ounces fondant
• 3 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted

In a double boiler, heat fondant over boiling water to approximately 105°. Stir in melted chocolate. Thin with water if necessary.

White Fondant:

5 ounces fondant

In a double boiler, heat fondant over boiling water to approximately 105°. Thin with water if necessary. Place in a pastry bag with 1/8-inch tip.

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