Cream Puffs

Choux a la Crème is the perfect choice for moments when you want to impress someone or simply indulge in a sweet treat! This elegant dessert, with crispy shells filled with a fine and delicious cream, has a rich history, deeply rooted in culinary art. Choux pastries are known for their airy texture and delicate flavor, and the filling can range from simple creams to the most sophisticated flavor combinations.

Preparation time: 45 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12 servings

Ingredients for Choux Pastries:
- 150 ml oil
- 300 ml water
- A pinch of salt
- 200 g flour
- 6 eggs

Ingredients for Cream:
- 1,200 ml milk
- 250 g flour
- 450 g sugar
- 5 eggs
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar
- 1 packet of bourbon vanilla (optional)

Ingredients for Whipped Cream:
- 300 g heavy cream (over 30% fat)
- 100 ml liquid cream
- 60 g powdered sugar

For dusting:
- Vanilla powdered sugar

Preparation of Choux Pastries:

1. Boil the water and oil: In a saucepan, add 300 ml of water, 150 ml of oil, and a pinch of salt. Place over medium heat and bring to a boil.

2. Add the flour: When the mixture starts to boil, pour in all the flour (200 g) in one go. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until a smooth dough ball forms. Continue stirring for 1-2 minutes to cook the dough slightly.

3. Incorporate the eggs: Let the dough cool for a few minutes, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate them. The dough should be glossy and have a soft yet firm consistency.

4. Shape the choux: Preheat the oven to 220°C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Using a piping bag, form mounds of dough on the paper, leaving enough space between them as they will puff up while baking.

5. Bake: Place the tray in the oven and bake for 13-14 minutes at high temperature, then reduce the temperature to 180°C and bake for another 5-6 minutes to brown. Do not open the oven in the first 15 minutes!

6. Cool: Once the choux are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Preparation of Cream:

1. Heat the milk: In a large saucepan, add 1,200 ml of milk and bring it to a boil.

2. Prepare the meringue: In a bowl, beat 2 egg whites with a pinch of salt and 150 g of sugar until you achieve a firm meringue.

3. Mix the ingredients: In another double-bottomed saucepan, mix 5 eggs, 2 egg yolks, 300 g of sugar, vanilla sugar, and the bourbon packet. Add 250 g of sifted flour and dilute with 200 ml of cold milk.

4. Incorporate the hot milk: Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, stirring continuously. Place over medium heat and stir until the cream thickens.

5. Add the meringue: Once the cream has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Then, gently fold in the meringue to retain the air.

Preparation of Whipped Cream:

1. Whip the cream: In a cold bowl, combine the heavy cream (300 g) with 100 ml of liquid cream and 60 g of powdered sugar. Use a mixer to beat until you achieve firm peaks.

Assembly:

1. Fill the choux: Once the choux have cooled completely, cut them in half. Using a piping bag, fill each half with the prepared cream and whipped cream.

2. Finish: Place the top on each choux and dust with vanilla powdered sugar for an elegant final touch.

Serving suggestions: This delicious dessert can be served plain or with a warm chocolate sauce on top. It pairs perfectly with a fragrant coffee or aromatic tea, which complements the sweetness of the choux.

Helpful tips:
- Make sure the eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into the dough.
- If you want to experiment, you can add flavors like almond or coffee extract to your cream.
- The choux can be made a day in advance and filled just before serving to maintain their crispy texture.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Why shouldn't I open the oven during baking? Choux need a stable environment to rise, and opening the oven door can cause them to collapse.
2. Can I use a different type of flour? Wheat flour is best for achieving light choux, but feel free to experiment with alternatives, though results may vary.
3. How long can I keep the choux? Choux are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days when filled with cream and whipped cream.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get to work and enjoy this refined dessert! Choux a la Crème is not just a dessert, but an experience that will delight your senses and bring smiles to the faces of those who savor it. Bon appétit!