Maison Georges Larnicol

Maison Georges Larnicol is a French bakery, patisserie, and chocolatier.  They have 32 stores throughout France, and also distributed some of their goods wholesale, which is how I was able to try them.

"The Kouignette® (Pronounced “kween-et”) was created in 2003 by Meilleur Ouvrier de France Georges Larnicol. The Kouignette® was inspired by the the Kouign-Amann and has become their flagship product."

If you are unfamiliar with kouign-amann in general (you've been missing out!), these are much like a basic kouign-amann: 

"The Kouignette® could be described as a richer, more indulgent version of the croissant. It can be enjoyed as a breakfast pastry, a dessert or simply a treat alongside a cup of coffee or tea. It is a delicious pastry that is produced in Brittany, France."

Maison Georges Larnicol makes the Kouignettes in 3 sizes: mini, medium, and large (ok, technically 4 sizes, as they make a party size tray version that is 6.5" diameter as well).  They come with assorted fillings (almond, salted caramel, raspberry, chocolate, candied orange, pistachio, rum raisin, Contreau), or plain as "natural" flavor.  They recommend serving them warm with whipped cream or ice cream "for a delicious, sweet dessert".  You don't need to tell me twice to add either (or both!) of those.

Mini Raspberry Kouignette®.

"Miniature handmade pastries produced in Brittany using French flour & butter, and homemade raspberry jam."

First I tried one of the smallest pastries, the mini.  These were basically the size of any other mini pastry (1.5" diameter).  They didn't really look like kouign amann, but I know they are taking liberties with these "kouignettes".  The form factor was a bit odd, with the rolled shape, which isn't what I normally see with kouign amann, even filled ones.  It looked more like a cinnamon roll style or any other rolled danish.

I tried at room temperature first.  The pastry was a bit soft, not the crispy caramelized exterior that I know and love from fresh kouign amann.  But there was caramel (it was just soft), and the base dough had a very rich and decadent flavor.  Clearly lots of high quality butter and sugar at play here.  

The raspberry jam was incredibly flavorful and fruity.  Real raspberries used, clearly, lots of seeds.  It was very good, but very intense jam.  It made the overall pastry very sweet and fruity.  I liked it, but you definitely needed to be in the mood for a lot of jam.

Overall, this was good - clearly quality base ingredients, but a different spin on a kouign amann, and, clearly not a fresh item, so go in with those expectations.  If you found it in a hotel breakfast buffet, you'd think it was slightly above average, if that helps.

***+.

Medium Chocolate Kouignette®.

"Small pastry made from puff pastry with pure churn butter and chocolate ganache."

Next up, the medium, this time with chocolate filling.  These were still smaller than a standard kouign amann, but still big enough to feel like you ate a reasonably full size treat (2.3" diameter).  For context, the large are 3.5".  

I tried this at room temperature first too.  Same basic review: strangely soft, but great caramel and butter levels, very good tasting. Non-standard rolled format. Minimal chocolate between the layers, but what was there was deep, dark, and seemed high quality.

I heated it up, and the chocolate got slightly melty, which was a nice improvement.  Paired with a scoop of ice cream, it was an enjoyable treat.  Still not as good as fresh, but the quality taste of the base pastry is quite notable.  High ***+.