Tangerine Puff Pastry Dessert with Refreshing Mandarin Beverage

Ingredients

For the Dessert:

• • Tangerines (as needed)
  • Puff pastry: 300 g (10 oz)
  • Powdered sugar: For dusting

• • Water: For the tangerine syrup
  • Granulated sugar: 5 tablespoons
  • Vanilla sugar: 1 teaspoon

• • Cream cheese: As needed (approximately 150 g or 5 oz)
  • Sugar: To taste (about 2 tablespoons)
  • Lemon juice: 1 teaspoon

For the Beverage:

• • Ice cubes
  • Fresh mandarin slices (or tangerines)
  • Sprite (or any lemon-lime soda)

Preparation and Cooking Times

• • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Steps to Make Tangerine Puff Pastry Dessert

1. Prepare the Tangerine Syrup

1. 1. Peel the tangerines and separate them into individual slices.
   2. In a small saucepan, combine 5 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla sugar, and about 100 ml of water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
   3. Add the tangerine slices to the syrup and simmer for 3–5 minutes until they become slightly tender and glossy. Set aside to cool.

2. Prepare the Puff Pastry

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 200℃ (392℉).
   2. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to ensure it’s even and thin. Cut it into your desired shapes—squares, circles, or rectangles work well.
   3. Place the pastry shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and prick them lightly with a fork to prevent excessive puffing.

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–15 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Allow them to cool completely.

3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Adjust the sweetness to taste.

4. Assemble the Dessert

1. 1. Once the puff pastry is cool, spread a layer of the cream cheese mixture on each piece.

1. Top with the syrup-coated tangerine slices for a burst of citrus flavor.
2. Dust with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.

Steps to Make the Refreshing Mandarin Beverage

1. 1. Fill a glass with ice cubes.

1. Add a few slices of fresh mandarin or tangerine for a pop of color and flavor.
2. Pour Sprite (or your preferred lemon-lime soda) over the ice and fruit. Stir gently.
3. Serve immediately alongside the dessert for a perfectly balanced pairing.