🥐 VOL-AU-VENT OVERVIEW
🔹 What is a Vol-au-vent?
A Vol-au-vent is a light, hollow case of puff pastry. The name means “windblown” in French—referring to its lightness. Traditionally filled with creamy or savory fillings, it’s a perfect vessel for gourmet appetizers, amuse-bouches, or canapé-style servings.
🔹 Sizes:
• Standard Vol-au-vent: 5–7 cm wide – suitable for plated appetizers or buffet hors d’oeuvres.
• Mini Vol-au-vent: 2.5–4 cm wide – ideal for bite-sized luxury canapés or amuse-bouches.
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🍽️ 11 GOURMET FILLING IDEAS
(With brief descriptions – all are suitable for mini or standard vol-au-vents)
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1. Lobster Thermidor
Filling: Poached lobster tail, white wine cream sauce, Dijon mustard, Parmesan
Garnish: Micro chervil, lobster coral dust
Cuisine Note: French classic, perfect for seafood lovers.
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2. Truffled Mushroom Duxelles
Filling: Finely chopped wild mushrooms sautéed in garlic and shallots, finished with truffle oil
Garnish: Crispy enoki, micro thyme
Cuisine Note: Earthy and umami-rich; pairs well with red wine stations.
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3. Butter Chicken Makhani (Indian Fusion)
Filling: Creamy tomato-butter sauce with tender chicken morsels
Garnish: Mini naan crisp, coriander leaf
Cuisine Note: Indian-French fusion, a spicy surprise.
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4. Goat Cheese, Fig & Walnut (Vegetarian)
Filling: Whipped chèvre, roasted fig compote, toasted walnut
Garnish: Balsamic glaze dot, baby mint
Cuisine Note: Sweet-savory Mediterranean flair.
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5. Thai Green Curry Prawns
Filling: Coconut cream green curry with baby prawns
Garnish: Lime zest, micro cilantro
Cuisine Note: A burst of Southeast Asian flavors.
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6. Duck à l’Orange
Filling: Pulled duck confit with orange zest sauce
Garnish: Candied orange peel
Cuisine Note: A French bistro classic in canapé form.
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7. Crab & Avocado Mousse (Cold Filling)
Filling: Lump crabmeat folded with citrusy avocado mousse
Garnish: Yuzu pearls or tobiko
Cuisine Note: Elegant, refreshing and perfect for cold platters.
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8. Camembert & Caramelized Apple
Filling: Warm apple compote with melted Camembert
Garnish: Thyme flower, crisp pancetta crumble
Cuisine Note: Sweet-savory, ideal for autumn-themed buffets.
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9. Moroccan Lamb Tagine
Filling: Spiced lamb stew with apricots, cinnamon, and almonds
Garnish: Mint, sesame seed dust
Cuisine Note: Exotic, warm, and comforting.
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10. Smoked Salmon & Dill Cream (Cold Filling)
Filling: Lemon-dill cream cheese with slivers of cold-smoked salmon
Garnish: Salmon caviar, frisée microgreen
Cuisine Note: A seafood classic with elegance.
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11. Vegan Ratatouille & Basil Pesto
Filling: Finely diced zucchini, bell pepper, eggplant in tomato fondue
Garnish: Drop of vegan pesto, pine nut
Cuisine Note: Vegan-friendly, rich Mediterranean notes.
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🧁 PLATING / SETUP BRIEF
For Buffets:
• Arrange on slate platters or marble trays with minimalist labels.
• Mini vol-au-vents can be set on edible spoons or in grid-style clear acrylic risers.
• Use flavored puff pastry options (e.g., squid ink for seafood, turmeric for Indian, beetroot for vegan).
