Cream puffs

Cream Puffs: A Classic Delicacy with Vanilla Cream

Welcome to the world of sweet delights! Today we will prepare a refined recipe, full of tradition, that will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones: Cream Puffs. These little pastry jewels are filled with delicious vanilla cream and decorated with melted chocolate, making them the perfect choice for any special occasion or simply to indulge yourself. Let's embark together on this captivating recipe!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12-15 puffs

Ingredients

For the choux pastry:
- 200 ml milk
- 200 g eggs (about 4-5 medium eggs)
- 140 g flour
- 80 g butter
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the vanilla cream:
- 500 ml milk
- 30 g butter
- 100 g sugar
- 100 g egg yolks (about 5 yolks)
- 40 g flour
- Vanilla essence (to taste)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar

For decoration:
- 200 g dark or milk chocolate
- 50 ml liquid cream

Step by Step: The Perfect Guide to Cream Puffs

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure the eggs are at room temperature; this will help in forming a soft dough. It is recommended to take them out of the fridge 30-60 minutes before starting.

2. Boiling the ingredients: In a saucepan, add the milk, diced butter, sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. It is important that the liquid boils quickly for the fat to integrate well.

3. Adding the flour: Once the mixture reaches a boiling point, add all the flour at once. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix quickly. This is a crucial moment, as adding the flour gradually can lead to lumps forming. Continue to stir until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a compact ball.

4. Cooling the dough: Transfer the dough to a bowl and let it cool slightly. At this point, it is essential to add the eggs gradually. Start by adding one egg, mixing vigorously. Repeat the process with the other eggs, ensuring that each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. The dough should be smooth and elastic, without lumps.

Step 2: Baking the Puffs

1. Preparing the tray: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. You can lightly grease it with butter to prevent sticking.

2. Forming the puffs: Fill a pastry bag with the prepared dough. If you don’t have a pastry bag, you can use a spoon to form balls about 4 cm in diameter, leaving space between them as they will puff up during baking.

3. Moistening: Spray the puffs with water before placing them in the oven. This will help create a crispy crust.

4. Baking: Bake the puffs at 200°C for 30 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 170°C and continue baking for another 20 minutes. It is essential not to open the oven door during baking, as this could cause them to deflate.

Step 3: Preparing the Vanilla Cream

1. Mixing the eggs: In a bowl, mix the egg yolks with 3/4 of the sugar until they become a homogeneous mixture. Add the flour and mix again.

2. Boiling the milk: In a saucepan, add the milk, the remaining sugar, butter, and vanilla sugar. Bring the mixture to a boiling point.

3. Combining the mixtures: Once the milk has boiled, pour half of it over the egg mixture, stirring well to prevent coagulation. Then add the mixture back into the saucepan and continue boiling, stirring constantly, until the cream thickens and forms bubbles.

4. Cooling the cream: After the cream has thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the vanilla essence. Transfer the cream to another container to cool faster. Before filling the puffs, mix the cream again to make it more homogeneous.

Step 4: Assembling and Decorating

1. Filling the puffs: Once the puffs have completely cooled, cut off a quarter of the top. Using the pastry bag, fill each puff with the vanilla cream, being careful not to overfill.

2. Adding the cream: Whip the liquid cream and add it on top of the cream before putting the cap back on.

3. Preparing the chocolate: Melt the chocolate in a bain-marie and add the liquid cream until you obtain a pourable paste. Make sure it is not too thin so that it doesn’t run off the top of the puffs.

4. Decorating: Pour the melted chocolate over each puff, then sprinkle a little powdered sugar for an elegant look.

5. Final cooling: Leave the puffs in the refrigerator for 2 hours before serving, to allow the flavors to blend.

Practical Tips

- Check the texture of the dough: The correct dough should be smooth and elastic. If it is too thick, add a little egg. If it is too soft, add a little more flour.

- Avoiding deflation: It is essential not to open the oven door during baking, as the puffs are sensitive to temperature changes.

- Delicious variations: You can add various flavors to the cream, such as coffee, chocolate, or even liqueurs for a more sophisticated taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if the dough doesn’t puff up?
- Make sure you followed the baking times and did not open the oven during the process. Also, check the consistency of the dough.

2. Can I prepare the puffs a day in advance?
- Yes, the puffs can be made a day in advance. They keep best in an airtight container, and the vanilla cream can be prepared beforehand and refrigerated.

3. What can I serve with the puffs?
- The puffs pair perfectly with a flavorful coffee or refined tea. They can also be served alongside delicious ice cream.

Nutritional Benefits

Although Cream Puffs are a dessert, they can provide an energy source due to the egg and milk content, which are rich in protein. The flour used provides carbohydrates, and chocolate adds antioxidants, especially if you opt for dark chocolate.

I hope this Cream Puff recipe brings joy to your kitchen! Treat your friends and family to these delights, and remember that in the end, the most important ingredient is the love you put into each dish. Enjoy your meal!