The almond croissant

 

The picture to the right is an pastry from the Two Magpies Bakery in Blakeney, Norfolk.

This magnificent object is, in my humble opinion, the pinnacle of that culinary delight: the almond croissant. The pastry inside is flaky and perfectly cooked, the almond paste exquisite. It's big enough for a breakfast for two. (It is the antithesis of the equally massive but utterly revolting apology of a thing sold at the coffee bar at Sydney Opera House in 2016; I truly hope this is now off the menu.)

Prior to my discovery of the Two Magpies offering, the best-to-date (and very wonderful) version was created by the Pump Street Bakery in Orford, Suffolk. Theirs was equally huge, tasty, and almost as joyous to eat. But this one outshines by having a slightly crustier outside which, with its embedded flaked roasted almonds, is truly heavenly.

11 marks out of 10.