Step 1

The Puff Pastry;

Step 2

Cut butter into pieces, place on a saucer and freeze for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3

Place butter, ice cubes, bakers flour and salt into the Thermomix bowl. Chop **7 sec/speed 7**.

Step 4

Mix **5 sec/Reverse/speed 5**.

Step 5

Knead **3 min/Interval** while adding the vodka through the hole in the lid.

Step 6

Remove from bowl. Push together into a tight rectangle. Wrap in Silpat mat or parchment paper and refrigerate for about 30 minutes before proceeding.

Step 7

Preheat oven to 180°C.

Step 8

Roll dough into a large rectangle then fold over in thirds to make and envelope shape. Turn so the folded edge is towards you and repeat. Wrap and return to the fridge for 30 minutes. Repeat this 3 times or until you have a flexible sheet of pastry.

Step 9

Now that the puff pastry is ready to use, roll it out into a large rectangle, a little more than double the size of the tin/container that you will be using to assemble the vanilla slice in. Place onto a lined oven tray and sprinkle with the sugar. Prick all over with a fork.

Step 10

Bake for 15 minutes, then place a sheet of baking paper on top and place an oven tray on top of that with something heavy to weigh it down (weights, tins etc). This will flatten the pastry as it continues to cook. Cook for a further 25 minutes. Take the tray/tins off the top and let cool.

Step 11

Line the tin/container that you will be using to assemble the vanilla slice in with baking paper. You want it to overhang to help with removing the vanilla slice once set.

Step 12

Cut the puff pastry in half to fit. Place one half in the bottom of tin/container. You can do this part a day or more ahead of making the custard.

Step 13

The Custard;

Step 14

Place all custard ingredients into the Thermomix bowl and cook *10 min/80°C/speed 4*.

Step 15

Cook *2 min/90°C/speed 4*. Cool slightly before proceeding.

Step 16

Pour the custard on top of the pastry, then place the other half of pastry on top. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Step 17

The Frosting;

Step 18

Place all ingredients except melted chocolate into the Thermomix bowl and blend *10 sec/speed 4*. Add either more milk or sugar if you are not happy with the consistency. It should be easy to pour and spread. Add melted chocolate when it is cool enough to not melt your butter. Blend *10 sec/speed 4.*

Step 19

Spread onto the top layer of your Vanilla Slice with generous swirls. It is best to ice the vanilla slice just before serving for ease of cutting. Dust with freeze dried fruit if desired.