Cream puffs with strawberries

Strawberry cream puffs – a dessert that blends tradition and a passion for cooking, a delicious madness that brings back childhood memories. This dessert is not only a feast for the taste buds but also an opportunity to have fun in the kitchen, creating a culinary masterpiece. Get ready to be carried away by flavors and textures as I share the recipe step by step.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12 servings

Required ingredients:

For the choux shells:
- 250 ml sweet milk
- 250 ml water
- 180 g butter (make sure it is of high quality)
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 300 g flour
- 9 eggs + 1 egg for brushing (the eggs should be at room temperature)
- 1 packet of vanilla (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)

For the vanilla cream:
- 1 l sweet milk
- 8 egg yolks
- 8 tablespoons of flour
- 250 g sugar
- 3 packets of vanilla (or 3 teaspoons of vanilla extract)
- 50 g butter

For decoration:
- Fresh strawberries (preferably Romanian, sweet and fragrant)
- Powdered sugar for dusting

Preparing the vanilla cream:

1. Heating the milk: In a saucepan, heat 750 ml of sweet milk along with the packets of vanilla until it becomes hot but does not boil.

2. Egg yolk mixture: In a bowl, mix 250 ml of the warm milk with the egg yolks and flour until you obtain a homogeneous composition.

3. Combining: Gradually pour the egg yolk mixture into the saucepan with the hot milk, stirring continuously. This step is crucial to avoid the egg yolks curdling.

4. Thickening the cream: Continue stirring for about 12 minutes over low heat until the cream thickens. Turn off the heat and add the butter, blending with a hand blender to achieve a smooth texture.

5. Cooling the cream: Transfer the cream to a bowl and place it in a bowl of cold water to cool quickly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap to prevent a crust from forming.

Preparing the choux shells:

1. Preparing the mixture: In a saucepan, add the water, milk, butter, salt, sugar, and vanilla. Put over medium heat and wait until the butter completely melts.

2. Incorporating the flour: When the mixture starts to boil, add all the flour at once and stir vigorously with a spatula until the mixture pulls away from the sides of the saucepan.

3. Adding the eggs: Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes. Then, incorporate the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. You can use a mixer for a finer texture.

4. Forming the shells: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Using a piping bag, form small mounds on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are spaced apart as they will puff up.

5. Brushing with egg: Beat the remaining egg and lightly brush each shell with a pastry brush, being careful not to press too hard.

6. Baking: Bake the shells for 25 minutes, during which time do not open the oven (to prevent them from collapsing). For the first 15 minutes, maintain the temperature at 200 degrees, then reduce to 180 degrees for the last 10 minutes.

Assembling the choux:

1. Filling the shells: Once the shells have completely cooled, fill them with the vanilla cream using the same piping bag. If the cream is cold, it will be easier to handle.

2. Decorating: Cut the strawberries in half or quarters and arrange them on top of the filled shells. Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant look.

Serving suggestions:

Serving the choux with strawberries is a moment of joy. You can accompany them with warm chocolate sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast. These delightful choux can be enjoyed on a special occasion or simply when you feel the need for a sweet treat.

Tips and tricks:

- Planning: It is ideal to prepare the cream a few hours in advance to let it cool and thicken properly.
- Texture: If you want the shells to be crunchier, you can leave the oven slightly ajar for a few minutes after they are baked.
- Variations: You can experiment with different vanilla flavors or add a splash of almond extract to the vanilla cream for a unique taste.

Calories and nutritional benefits:

Although choux are not the lightest desserts, they offer a unique culinary experience. Each serving contains approximately 200-250 calories but is packed with nutrients from eggs, milk, and butter. The yolks provide quality protein, while strawberries add vitamins and antioxidants, making them a healthier choice when enjoyed in moderation.

Strawberry cream puffs are more than just a dessert; they are a love story between flavors and textures, perfect for sharing with loved ones. So embrace the cooking process and enjoy every step, because the final result is worth every effort!