Transfer the toasted nuts onto a clean kitchen towel and rub the nuts to remove as much skin as possible. Let them cool completely.

In a small saucepan heat sugar and water over medium high heat until turns golden brown. Stir in nuts to coat with the caramel and transfer the praline to a baking sheet to cool completely.

Break the praline into smaller pieces

Grind in a food processor until it gets into a thick paste, for about 10 minutes.

Refrigerate until ready to use.

Preheat oven to 350F (180C).

Sift the flour. In a saucepan bring the milk, water, sugar, salt and butter to a boil.

Remove from heat and add flour all at once and incorporate mixing energetically with a wooden spoon until homogenous.

Return the saucepan over low heat and while stirring cook for 1 minute or two to pull out the moisture from the batter and until it pulls away from the sides of the pan. You will see some of the dough sticks to the bottom of the pan.

Transfer batter to a large bowl and allow to cool. Add the eggs one at a time, carefully incorporating each into the batter using the wooden spoon or even a stand mixer. It will result in a smooth, homogenous batter which still holds its shape.

Fit a pastry bag with a large ½ inch (1cm) round tip and pipe two circles of pastry next to each other following the drawn line. Pipe another one overlapping the first two.

Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle almond flakes over the top.

Bake for 45-50 minutes until browned and puffed. Turn off the heat and let cool in the oven for 15 minutes with the oven door slightly ajar.

Remove from the oven and prick with a toothpick to let the steam escape.

Cool completely on a wire rack.

Incorporate the cornstarch and flour. Pour the milk into a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Pour about a third of the hot milk over the egg yolks mixture. Pour the whole mixture into the saucepan over the milk. Bring to a boil while stirring and thickens. Keep enough over heat to cook all the cornstarch. Remove from heat, add vanilla and incorporate 1 tablespoon butter.

Pour the cream into a clean bowl , cool slightly, cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the pastry cream to prevent forming a skin on the surface.

When completely chilled mix until smooth. Add praline paste and mix until combined. Gradually mix in butter and continue mixing until creamy.

Transfer the praline mousseline creme into a piping bag fitted with 1M star tip. Pipe 1 line of creme to fill the bottom then top with a thicker and beautiful decorated line of cream.

Top with the second half of pastry.

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Dust with powdered sugar and serve. Keep the leftovers refrigerated.