
Some dishes take me right back to my family kitchen, and vol-au-vents are definitely one of them. I've put my own spin on this classic by mixing white pudding with mushrooms. The outcome? Absolutely heavenly - a treat that makes my guests' eyes light up from the very first bite.
A mouth-watering dish I can't resist
In my kitchen I love whipping up meals that tell a story. These golden pastry shells hide a treasure of flavors - tender white pudding and aromatic mushrooms swimming in my creamy Port sauce. Every mouthful brings pure joy - that perfect balance between flaky pastry and the smooth, rich filling inside.
Shopping list for a fantastic feast
- White pudding: 3 morel-flavored sausages for extra taste
- Mushrooms: 450g of whatever's in season that I love
- Puff pastry: 4 rounds, store-bought or homemade depending on time
- Shallots: 3 fresh ones, chopped small
- Butter: 40g good quality, slightly salted
- Flour: 40g to thicken my sauce
- Stock: 500ml hot chicken broth
- Port wine: 6cl for flavor
- Cream: 100ml thick and rich
- One lemon: To brighten everything up
- Salt and pepper: Add as much as you want
Easy kitchen steps to follow
- The pastry shells:
- I stack my pastry sheets and cut my circles with care. A quick egg wash and they go in the oven for 30 minutes at 200°C.
- The tasty filling:
- I brown my pudding then cook my mushrooms. In the same pan, I soften the shallots, add flour and stock, and let my sauce get silky smooth. A splash of lemon, Port, cream, and I mix everything together.
- The finishing touch:
- I keep my shells warm and fill them just before serving to keep them crispy. A small lemony salad on the side makes it complete.

My clever cooking tricks
For special celebrations, I go all out with truffle-infused white pudding - such a guilty pleasure. I switch up the mushrooms based on what looks good at the market - chanterelles, porcini, or button mushrooms. I often make the sauce ahead and warm it up gently when guests arrive. Pair with a dry white wine or champagne and you've got magic happening.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prep these bites ahead?
- Yes, the shells can be made a day before and stored airtight. Prepare the filling early too, but only stuff the shells right before serving.
- → What kind of mushrooms should I use?
- A mix of button mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, shiitake, or chanterelles works great. Wild mushrooms pack extra flavor.
- → How do I keep the pastry crisp?
- Stuff the puffs just before serving, and make sure the sauce isn’t too runny. Warm up the empty shells before filling them.
- → Can I swap out the Porto?
- Absolutely! Use Madeira or Cognac instead. For an alcohol-free version, try grape juice with a splash of balsamic vinegar.
- → How do I get high-rising puffs?
- Layer the pastry well and don’t press down too hard on the middle cutter. Brushing with egg wash also gives a nice golden finish.