All your vol au vent questions answered…

Do Lidl Sell Vol Au Vents? Do Iceland Sell Vol Au Vents? Do Tesco Sell Vol Au Vents?

-          They used to sell them, however most major supermarket rarely sell Vol Au Vent cases all year round, however they do sell pastry to make your own or occasionally frozen versions. Some supermakets do have a few weeks in the run-up to Christmas where vol au vent cases are available.

Can you Buy Frozen Vol Au Vent Cases?

-          Absolutely, the largest producer is Jus-Rol who can be found in many UK supermarkets with a frozen vol au vent case option, all ours are available without having to store in the freezer and defrost.

How do you keep Vol Au Vents fresh?

-          We advise that you only open when needed or keep in an air tight container for a day or so before using. All our vol au vent cases can be kept at room temperature and have a long life

Are vol-au-vents out of fashion?

-          They were a staple of the 1970s food scene that seem to have been off the radar from a number of years, however have always had hard-core fans due to the versatility and deliciousness. Post pandemic there has been a significant shift towards comfort foods and nostalgia as well as gaining interest from younger consumers. We think this is just the beginning of their popularity!

What pastry is best for vol-au-vents?

-          This is a simple one, Puff Pastry. You can buy, make your own, or even better let us do the hard work and order our pre-made pastry cases.

Can you serve vol-au-vents cold?

-          We always like them hot, but absolutely, best to heat them through and then allow to cool, this way they are extra crispy!

Why are vol au vents called vol au vents?

              - The term "vol-au-vent" is of French origin and translates to "flight in the wind" in English. The name reflects the pastry's light and airy nature, resembling a delicate puff pastry shell that is hollow in the centre, as if it could be carried away by the wind.

Vol-au-vents have been a popular part of French cuisine since the 18th century. The name is thought to have originated from the way the pastry puffs up during baking, creating a shell that can be filled with various savoury or sweet fillings. The hollow centre allows for a versatile range of ingredients to be placed inside, making it a perfect vessel for both appetisers and desserts.

Can you make puff pastry shells ahead of time?

-          Absolutely you can, however if you are making from scratch don’t allow to stand for too long, the best way would be to store in an air tight container in the fridge for up to three days.