Showstopper Floral Glazed Boule Centerpiece!

I’m always seeking unique dishes with a “wow” factor when having company over. If I can also engage the kids in the preparation and help make it a fun experience, double bonus points!! This project checks all the boxes!

Supplies

Supplies

1 Large bowl

3 Small bowls

Whisk

Fine mesh sifter

2 Wooden spoons

Rolling pin

Baking sheet pan

Aluminum foil

Parchment paper or Silpat Non-stick Sheet

Measuring cups and spoons

Knife

Small Saucepan

1 small size, clean paintbrush

Jar with large “mouth,” glass, or round cookie cutter

Optional: 1 medium size clean paintbrush (if you want to glaze whole bread)

Step 1: Introduction

The beauty of these delicious and visually stunning European inspired loaves with floral topping and a carmelized glaze for shine, is that the project can be as simple or as detailed as you want. Whether saving time with a store bought artisan bread for the base, or baking your own boule (from the French meaning “ball”), the results are always impressive because of the unique edible hand-made floral embellishments. Their creation provides an engaging, creative family activity, with opportunities for all ages - from young children to grandparents - to take part in the making of this project.

Step 2: Preparation

For the floral embellishments, an easy to make edible “bread clay” provides opportunities for even the youngest participants to join in the process of mixing, kneading and rolling the dough. Little ones will enjoy rolling little pieces of clay into balls, older kids will have fun creating long “snakes” that can be formed into swirly shapes. And finally, teens and adults will delight in learning how easy it is to create roses, as well as opportunities for individual creative expression as they design their own flowers. There are no mistakes here!

Dough Ingredients for Flowers & Embellishments

7 tablespoons rye flour

3 slices white bread, crusts removed

3 shakes of salt (from salt shaker)

2 tablespoons Canola oil

2 eggs beaten (use separate bowl for each egg)

2 Tablespoons water

Bowl with cold water

Ingredients for Caramel Glaze

3 1/2 Tablespoons sugar

1/4 cup water

Pinch of Cream of Tartar

Step 3: Making the Dough - All Ages Can Join In!

1. Prepare work surface by sifting a tablespoon of white flour lightly over the work surface where dough will be prepared.

2. Mix all dry ingredients together in the medium mixing bowl with a spoon, then add one egg which has been scrambled, the oil and the water.

3. Mix all ingredients together, then using hands, scoop the dough onto the floured work surface. and gently knead to make sure that the wet and dry ingredients are completely combined.

4. Flatten the dough using your hands.

Step 4: Create the Flowers and Embellishments

There are any number of options for creating the flowers and leaves. For a rose, start with a small cone-shaped piece of bread “clay,” then use a cup, bottle lid, round cookie cutter, etc. to create the basis for petals and leaves. For petals, simply gather one end of the round piece and pinch it to create a teardrop shape, or use a knife to cut out the shape. (See photo).

Wrap the dough circle around the cone, and dip a small bush into the bowl of water to act as an adhesive, dabbing the dough pieces with water where they attach to one another. Add another circle, overlapping the first petal, and work your way around the cone, adding more petals until the rose is the size you want.

Other easy options for leaves and flowers can be found at most craft stores - from basic flower-shape cookie cutters to amazing two-piece sandwich-type silicone molds that result in precise shapes with beautiful veining details.

To give the leaves a realistic look. Wrap foil around a dowel or the handle of a wooden spoon to create a small “bridge” to lay the leaves over, so they won’t appear so flat. A little squirt of spray oil on the foil will help with release after baking.

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit, and bake for about 7 minutes (ovens may vary, so check every minute or so after 7 minutes). I like for the flowers and leaves to have a slightly browned edge.

Remove and cool.

Step 5: The Magic Touch - Carmelized Glaze!

Ingredients for Caramelized Glaze

3 1/2 Tablespoons sugar

1 1/2 tablespoons of water AND (separately) 1/2 cup water

Pinch of Cream of Tartar

Directions: (note: this section to be done by adults only!)

In a small saucepan, slowly bring 1/4 cup water to a boil.

In a second saucepan combine the 3 1/2 tablespoons of sugar with the 1 1/2 tablespoons of water. Mix well and slowly bring to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat, letting mixture simmer for 2 minutes.

Add a pinch of Cream of Tartar and stir well, lowering the temperature, but continuing to let it boil till the sugar mixture turns into a light caramel color. Do not let it get too dark, as it will develop a bitter flavor.

In this next step, use extreme caution!Slowly pour the boiling 1/4 cup water into the pot containing the sugar mixture. It will likely sizzle and may spatter, so use a potholder, and keep your distance as the hot water is being poured. Stir immediately using a long-handled spoon to combine sugar mixture with the hot water, then remove from heat and keep stirring till mixture comes to room temperature.

With a little paintbrush, dab a little glaze on the back of each flower, leaf or ornamentation which will help it stick to the top of the loaf. After all of the flowers and leaves are arranged to your liking, let the glazed bottoms “set” for about 1 hour, then carefully paint over the tops of all flowers and leaves.

If you want the rest of the boule to have a shiny glaze, lightly apply the remainder of the glaze mixture with the larger brush.

And there you have it! An artistic and delicious centerpiece that looks as if it was transported from a French Boulangerie to your dining table!

Enjoy!