I spent many hours trying to make the best pastry as a child – if it was not over cooked, it was the wrong texture! I realised that I should stick to cakes and over time, with the plethora of ready made pastry, its something I have cared less about! There was a corner shop at the top of our street in Bradford in the UK that sold groceries but also a small selection of cakes which included Vanilla Slices and Custard Tarts. I still recall the taste and the flakiness of the pastry and the sweet custard inside and the white icing on top of the Vanilla Slices. I used to take my time, first eating the bottom layer of custard and pastry and then the top layer with the icing! Heaven! It has taken years for me to find anything close in Australia. Last year, a friend introduced me to Le Croissant, 1204 Toorak Road, Camberwell, Victoria, Australia promising me the best Vanilla Slices. They looked the same, but did they taste the same??? With great expectation and anticipation, I bought some and they did! There is nothing better than the memories evoked by childhood taste sensations!!! Le Croissant sells not only Vanilla Slices but the most delectable french cakes and pastries you can imagine! They have a range of rum balls, biscuits and cakes. I tend to buy the Vanilla Slices to supplement the desserts I am baking for a dinner. There is no shame in serving fabulous cakes that you have not baked – I take delight in sharing the source of the cakes with everyone! Take a look at Le Croissant, I am sure there will be other favourites you will fall in love with!
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