Raspberry Croissant Carré

"Made for us in California by the best boulangers we’ve found this side of the Atlantic, Trader Joe’s Raspberry Croissant Carré starts, as all good things do, with a classic laminated dough (a.k.a. dough that’s been repeatedly folded with layers of butter to create the flaky Croissant eating experience). The dough is paired with a tart Raspberry filling that’s been sweetened with a bit of sugar and complemented with a touch of lemon juice to further amplify the fruit. But rather than rolling them into the classic Croissant shape, the layers of dough are sandwiched around the jammy filling, like a coffee cake—a sedimentary construction that allows for the inclusion of much more filling than you’d find in an individual croissant. Merveilleux! Sprinkled with coarse sugar crystals and baked until the dough reaches a lovely, deep golden hue, this impressive Carré (that’s French for “square,” a nod to this pastry’s squarish shape) serves six. Pick one up from the bakery shelf at your neighborhood Trader Joe’s and enjoy right out of the package—it’s a fantastic slice-and-serve option for a breakfast meeting or weekend brunch, paired with a steaming cup of coffee. To attain maximum deliciousness, remove the outer packaging and warm the Carré in a 350°F oven—you’ll be rewarded with a fresh, French-style pastry, without the upscale bakery price tag you might find elsewhere. Bon appétit!"