Despite their decadent reputation, croissants can also be a relatively healthy option when consumed in moderation. They are a good source of carbohydrates, fiber, and protein, and can be a satisfying way to fuel up for the day.

Croissants are visually stunning, with their golden-brown, flaky exterior and signature crescent shape. The shape is one of its defining characteristics, and it is widely recognized and appreciated by people all over the world. People enjoy the shape not only for its aesthetic appeal, but also because it makes the pastry easy to hold and eat. The shape allows the pastry to be easily split in half and filled with ingredients.

Here is a recipe for a simple and fast homemade croissant.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

• 1 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup warm milk

• 1/4 cup water

• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold

• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix until well combined.

2. Add the warm milk and water to the bowl, and stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.

3. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let it rest for about 10 minutes.

4. While the dough is resting, cut the cold butter into thin slices. Place the butter slices on top of a piece of parchment paper, and cover with another piece of parchment paper. Use a rolling pin to flatten the butter into a square that is about 1/4 inch thick.

5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle that is about 12 inches wide and 8 inches tall.

6. Place the flattened butter in the center of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides.

7. Fold the dough over the butter, sealing the edges together.

8. Roll out the dough again into a long rectangle. Fold the dough into thirds, like a letter.

9. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for about 20 minutes.

10. Remove the dough from the fridge and repeat steps 8 and 9 two more times.

11. After the final 20-minute rest, roll out the dough into a large rectangle that is about 1/4 inch thick.

12. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the dough into triangles.

13. Starting at the wide end of each triangle, roll up the dough into a croissant shape.

14. Place the croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and let them rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.

15. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

16. Brush the croissants with the beaten egg.

17. Bake the croissants for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

18. Let the croissants cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.

Oke, during making, why not delve deeper into the world of croissants?

There is an interesting story about croissants. It dates back to the 1683 Siege of Vienna, when the Ottoman Empire attempted to take the city. As the story goes, bakers in Vienna, who were working through the night to make bread for the soldiers, heard the sound of the Ottoman troops tunneling beneath the city's walls. To warn the soldiers, the bakers created a pastry in the shape of the crescent moon, which was a symbol of the Ottoman Empire. The soldiers were thus alerted to the danger, and the bakers became heroes. When the threat passed, the bakers continued to make the crescent-shaped pastries, which eventually became known as croissants.

However, the modern croissant as we know it today actually evolved in France in the 19th century, where bakers refined the recipe and technique to create the flaky, buttery pastry. It is believed that croissants have become a popular breakfast item in France during the 20th century. One factor that likely contributed to its popularity was the rise of café culture in France at the time. Many French cafes and bakeries specialize in croissants, and they can be found in a variety of forms, from the classic butter croissant to sweet and savory variations.

In France, croissants also play a role in the social and cultural aspects of French life. Sharing a croissant and coffee with friends or colleagues is a common social activity, and the pastry is often associated with leisurely breakfasts and coffee breaks. In this way, the croissant has become a symbol of the French way of life, which emphasizes the importance of food, wine, and socializing.

Nowadays, Croissants have become a beloved food item in many parts of the world and are available in a wide variety of flavors and styles, from the classic French croissant to variations like fruit-filled croissants, croissant sandwiches and more. Thanks to tourism and international travel which helped to spread French cuisine and culture around the world. Today, innovative food enthusiasts from around the world are experimenting with unique ingredients and techniques to create croissants with distinct and delicious flavors, offering a novel culinary experience. For example, some Middle Eastern bakeries have incorporated local ingredients like pistachios or honey.