1. Prepare Puff Pastry Layers:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets. Use a rolling pin to gently roll out each sheet to smooth out any creases and slightly increase its size.
- Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut each puff pastry sheet into rectangles of equal size. Aim for rectangles that are approximately 3×5 inches, but you can adjust the size based on your preference.
- Place the pastry rectangles onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece. Prick each rectangle several times with a fork to prevent them from puffing up too much during baking.
- Bake the puff pastry rectangles in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning. Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Assemble the Millefeuille:
- Once the puff pastry rectangles have cooled, carefully slice each one in half horizontally to create two thin layers.
- Spread a generous layer of arequipe (dulce de leche) onto the bottom half of each puff pastry rectangle. You can adjust the amount of filling based on your preference for sweetness.
- Gently place the top half of each puff pastry rectangle over the arequipe filling, creating a sandwich.
- Repeat this process with the remaining puff pastry rectangles and arequipe filling until you have used them all.
3. Garnish and Serve:
- Dust the tops of the assembled millefeuille with powdered sugar for a decorative touch, if desired.
- Optionally, garnish each millefeuille with fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve the arequipe millefeuille immediately, or refrigerate it for 30 minutes to allow the filling to set slightly before serving.
Tips:
- Make sure to work with the puff pastry while it’s still cold to prevent it from becoming too soft and difficult to handle.
- Feel free to customize the filling by adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Store any leftover millefeuille in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Enjoy this decadent Arequipe Millefeuille as a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion, from special celebrations to casual gatherings with friends and family!