Delicious Cream Puff Pastries

These cream puff pastries offer a delightful treat with their light and airy texture, making them perfect for any occasion. The recipe involves making a classic choux pastry that is both fun and rewarding. Perfect your baking skills by whipping up these divine pastries, filled with decadent creams such as chocolate ganache or traditional custard. This particular pastry offers a balance of buttery goodness with a slightly crisp exterior and a hollow interior ready to be filled with your favorite cream. Enjoying these pastries fresh out of the oven or after a short stint in the fridge offers equally delightful experiences. The process may seem daunting at first, but the steps are straightforward and will guide any level of baker to success. With delicate precision, each puff rises beautifully during baking. The dough, which might appear simple, holds the secret to these divine creations. Once filled, the real magic of the pastry comes alive, leaving every bite more delicious than the last. Elevate your pastry game and enjoy the satisfaction of serving your own homemade cream puffs.

Ingredients

Choux Pastry:

• 100 g butter
• 220 g water
• 200 g flour (Hercogs organic wheat flour)
• 5-6 small eggs (room temperature, use 4-5 if the eggs are larger)
• A pinch of salt

Preparation Time

Total Time: 90 minutes (including preparation and cooking)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Begin by preparing the eggs, allowing them to sit at room temperature.
2. Sift the flour to remove any lumps and ensure a smooth dough.
3. In a saucepan over medium heat, bring water, a pinch of salt, and butter to a simmer until the first bubbles appear.
4. Add all the flour at once, then stir continuously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth, glossy ball.
5. Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl to allow it to cool slightly.
6. Choose whether to mix by hand with a wooden spoon or with an electric mixer for efficiency.
7. Once the dough has cooled slightly, add the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating after each addition.
8. Test the readiness of the dough after the fourth egg; if a "peak" forms when the dough is lifted with a spoon, it is ready. If the dough droops into a trapezoid shape, add another egg.
9. Transfer the choux dough into a pastry bag.
10. Pipe small walnut-sized balls onto a lined baking tray.
11. Preheat the oven to 220°C (428°F) and bake the pastries for 15 minutes without opening the door.
12. After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 180°C (356°F) and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
13. Test the doneness by tapping the bottom of a pastry; it should sound hollow.
14. Once baked, allow the puffs to cool slightly.
15. For filling, slice off the top of each puff with a sharp knife.
16. Fill with your choice of cream using a spoon or pastry bag; chocolate ganache and custard are excellent options.
17. It is advisable to fill the pastries just before serving to maintain their crisp texture.
18. If prefilling, store the filled pastries in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
19. Their crispness can delight even when served the next day.
20. Enjoy the light, airy delight of homemade cream puffs, ready to satisfy any sweet craving!

Tips

• Butter: Make sure the butter is fully melted before adding the flour to avoid lumps.
• Eggs: Room temperature eggs work best in this recipe for seamless incorporation.
• Consistency: Achieving the right consistency of the dough is crucial for the perfect puff.

Nutrition

• Calories: 250 per serving
• Protein: 5g
• Fats: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 25g

Variations

• Gluten-free version: Replace regular flour with a gluten-free flour mix.
• Dairy-free option: Substitute butter with plant-based margarine.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a side of fresh berries for a refreshing contrast.
• Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate sauce for an extra touch.

Best Places

1. Pierre Hermé - Renowned for its exceptional pastries, including exquisite cream puffs. Location: 72 Rue Bonaparte, Paris, France.
2. Dominique Ansel Bakery - Famous for creative pastries and gourmet cream puffs. Location: 189 Spring St, New York, USA.
3. Mille Feuille Bakery Café - A charming spot with delicious cream puffs. Location: 552 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, USA.
4. Léonidas Chocolates and Café - Offers a pleasant assortment of Belgian pastries. Location: 15 Wigmore St, London, UK.
5. Beard Papa's - Known for their creamy, heavenly puffs. Location: 2134 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, USA.
6. Café de Flore - A historic café serving classic French pastries. Location: 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris, France.
7. Sadaharu AOKI - Fuses French techniques with Japanese flavors. Location: 35 Rue de Vaugirard, Paris, France.
8. Mandarin Oriental Cake Shop - Luxurious setting offering exquisite pastries. Location: 5 Connaught Rd Central, Hong Kong.
9. Cova Montenapoleone - Elegant café with delicious treats. Location: Via Montenapoleone, 8, Milan, Italy.
10. Ladurée - Iconic for its classic French pastries in an elegant setting. Location: Champs-Élysées, Paris, France.