Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) to ensure an even bake for your choux pastry.
Step 2: Prepare the Choux Pastry
In a large saucepan, combine 125ml water, 125ml milk, 100g unsalted butter, 5g salt, and 10g sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once at a boil, remove from heat and add 150g flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Step 3: Cool and Add Eggs
Allow the mixture to cool slightly. Add the 4 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
Step 4: Pipe and Bake
Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star or round tip. Pipe long strips (for eclairs) or small mounds (for cream puffs) onto a lined baking tray. Bake for 25-30 minutes until puffed and golden brown. Transfer the baked choux to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, whisk together 500ml heavy cream, 50g icing sugar, and 5ml vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Transfer the cream mixture to a piping bag fitted with a filling nozzle.
Step 6: Fill the Pastries
Pierce each pastry with the nozzle and fill with the whipped cream until just full. Set aside as you prepare the chocolate glaze.
Step 7: Chocolate Glaze
In a small pan over low heat, combine 100g dark chocolate and 50ml heavy cream. Stir until the chocolate is melted and the glaze is smooth and shiny.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
Dip the tops of the filled eclairs into the warm chocolate glaze and place them back on the wire rack to set. For cream puffs, drizzle the chocolate over the tops. Once the chocolate has set, arrange on a serving platter and enjoy!
Conclusion
Congratulations on creating these delightful Eclairs and Cream Puffs! The perfect balance between light, crispy choux pastry and rich, creamy filling will surely impress your guests or satisfy your sweet cravings. Savor each bite of these elegant pastries and take pride in mastering a piece of French culinary artistry.
The allure of exquisite French pastries, with their intricate designs and rich flavors, is undeniable. The delicate, flaky crust and the rich, creamy filling, topped with a luscious chocolate glaze, is sure to captivate your senses. These timeless pastries offer a touch of elegance and luxury that never goes out of style, making them perfect for any occasion. Share them with friends and family, or simply savor them yourself for a special treat. Enjoy the fruits of your labor and the delightful indulgence of French patisserie!
