A classic combination of textures and flavors, crunchy toasted brioche topped with sweet jam and crunchy almonds yields a delightfully irresistible pastry known as Bostock.
Once you’ve savored the flavors, I’m confident that you’ll be eager to share this delightful experience with others. I’ll elevate this dish beyond mere mortals, dubbing it the Ultimate French Toast – an homage to the original, yet transcending its humble roots.
While Bostock may not evoke visions of elaborate pastries or high-end bakeries, its unassuming nature belies an irresistible allure.
While staying with my friend Rebecca in Western New York several years ago, I had the opportunity to try Bostock for the first time.
Discovering the delightful Elm Street Bakery in East Aurora was a treat for our taste buds, as we found ourselves returning multiple times to sample their mouthwatering selection of sweet and savory delights, which seemed endless. As soon as I caught sight of the Bostock, my curiosity was piqued and I felt compelled to give it a go.
Bostock
A traditional Bostock recipe typically consists of thinly sliced brioche, delicately glazed with a sweet and tangy fruit preserve, and finished with a sprinkle of crunchy almond cream. A sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds adds a satisfying crunch before the biscotti is baked to golden crispness.
While brioche is the traditional choice for crafting Bostock, challah can also be a suitable substitute, potentially offering an added layer of convenience in its wider availability.
The flavor profile evokes memories of traditional Italian confections, such as Pignoli Cookies or Amaretti, whose rich almond essence is a direct result of using almond paste as their primary component.
I’m utterly enthralled by this incredible phenomenon and finding it challenging to articulate my sentiments. I compare this indulgent treat to the richness of French toast, but with a crucial difference – its unassuming simplicity yields a far superior flavor profile that eclipses its elegant counterpart by a considerable margin.
Since my return home a week ago, I’ve had the pleasure of preparing Bostock twice and now find myself hooked on it, repeatedly whipping up batches at every opportunity.
As we lingered within the cozy confines of the bakery, Rebecca and I engaged in a lively discussion about the art of recreating the elusive Bostock from scratch in our own kitchens. The crusty baguette is finished with a fragrant frangipane topping, perfectly toasted to bring out its rich flavors.
To craft frangipane, simply combine almond meal, sugar, softened butter, and a single egg in harmony. Does it ever! This heavenly topping elevates the humble Bostock to new heights in mere minutes.
As we indulge in the classic Bostock’s rich almond flavors, Rebecca takes creative liberty by crafting a unique Nutella Raspberry Bostock, kindly sharing her innovative spin alongside the traditional recipe.
I’m convinced that the world of flavors is an infinite frontier, begging us to explore its every nook and cranny.
Bostock Pastry
To prepare this dish, please gather the following essential components:
- sliced Brioche
- apricot jam
- 1 recipe Frangipane (see below)
- sliced almonds
- powdered sugar
- almond meal
- sugar
- butter
- egg
- almond extract
Bostock Recipe
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Combine almond meal, sugar, softened butter, large egg, and a hint of almond extract in a mid-sized mixing bowl until a smooth paste forms. Stir to combine. Arrange the sliced bread in an even layer on a spacious metal baking sheet.
Reheat the jam in the microwave or on the stovetop, whisking continually until the desired consistency is achieved. With a pastry brush, delicately apply a thin, even coating of jam to each slice of bread.
Utilizing a cookie scoop or large serving spoon, allocate the frangipane liberally across the slices of bread. The generous dollops of approximately three tablespoons each adorned each piece with precision. Carefully use a knife to apply an even layer to each portion. Sprinkle with almonds.
Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the top is puffed and lightly toasted to a golden brown. Carefully remove the baked goods from the oven and dust them liberally with a thick layer of powdered sugar.
Transfer to a cooling rack using a metal spatula, or serve warm as desired. Allow to cool completely, then store loosely covered for up to 2 days.
Almond Dessert Recipes
Indulge in the rich flavors of Aunt Judy’s signature almond confections: Almond Bars, Shortbread Thumbprints, Joyous Brownies, and a sweet surprise – our beloved Homemade Almond Joys.
Oh! As peach season rolls back around, this delectable Peach Pound Cake with a drizzle of rich Almond Glaze becomes an indispensable dessert to indulge in once more.
Six years prior, I reunited with friends Mesiedy and Rebecca in Western New York. We spent a leisurely week in East Aurora, indulging in a well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle of daily life by doing as little as humanly possible in our cozy little home.
Occasionally, travel itineraries are packed with relentless pursuits; at other times, it’s refreshing to leave the schedule blank. By sheer absence of anything, I mean nothing.
With a crucial errand to complete – grabbing a batch of scintillating hot Maple Glazed Amish Doughnuts – our usual wanderlust was noticeably absent from our daily routine. The sweet reward of a lengthy commute was more than justified by those sublime doughnuts.
We indulged in a cinematic marathon of our beloved musicals, munching on buttery popcorn and sipping fine wine as we savored the sweet freedom from culinary responsibilities. The culinary criteria for our trip were clear: the food had to be accessible at any time and in any setting.
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We had been planning this getaway for six months, driven by a desire to unwind, recharge, and spend quality time together. Mission accomplished.
We allocated a day at the beginning of our trip and another at the conclusion to fully immerse ourselves in the local culture. As I yearned for respite, the prospect of being mere steps away from Niagara Falls proved too enticing; I simply couldn’t resist the allure of witnessing this natural wonder for the first time.
As we crossed into Canada, the majestic Niagara Falls came into view from our vantage point on the Canadian shore. Heed this counsel, and you’ll find that the endeavour is well worthwhile.
These two perspectives fundamentally differ. As we rode the ferry upstream, the falls’ majestic beauty unfolded before us, offering a thrilling perspective from the water’s edge. Get ready for a splashy surprise and enjoy the fun!
During your time in Canada, I wholeheartedly suggest exploring the offerings at Antica for an exceptional wood-fired pizza experience. When Yelp delivers on its promise of an exceptional dining experience, I’m thoroughly impressed!
If you stroll just a few blocks away, you’ll come across the fascinating Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Odditorium. On a spontaneous visit, we discovered an unexpected gem.
As you traverse Western New York, a scenic drive through the breathtaking Letchworth State Park is an absolute must-see experience. As we paused at various vantage points, the breathtaking vistas unfolded before us. With its lush greenery and serene atmosphere, I could’ve effortlessly lost track of time while strolling through the park for hours on end.
Letchworth State Park, renowned as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” lives up to its reputation, with its breathtaking beauty and sheer scale leaving a lasting impression. On a refreshing and misty morning, we found ourselves surrounded by breathtaking vistas that were undiminished in their beauty.
I can envision it vividly: a brilliant blue sky with nary a cloud in sight, bathing the landscape in a warm and radiant glow. As we embark on our transcontinental adventure next year, my thoughts are already drifting towards the scenic beauty of Letchworth State Park, where I eagerly anticipate setting up camp amidst nature’s splendor.
The memories of that trip still bring joy to my thoughts. When fortune bestows upon you companions who intuitively understand the nuances of your mind, seize opportunities to simply coexist with them. If fortunate enough to reside in the same community, carve out some time to share a cup of coffee or enjoy a brief luncheon together.
Even when separated by a thousand miles, affordable Southwest flights facilitate effortless reunions and strengthen relationships through regular in-person interactions. Spend every spare moment with the people who matter most – seize the opportunity, no matter how big or small.
My most treasured memento from this journey is the recollection of savoring Bostock for the very first time.