Eclairs

Eclairs - The Cake of Childhood

Who doesn't fondly remember fluffy eclairs filled with fine cream and covered with a glossy chocolate glaze? This recipe is not just a culinary delight but also a journey back in time, where each bite takes us to happy moments from childhood. Although eclairs may seem intimidating at first glance, I will guide you step by step to achieve the most delicious eclairs, filled with rich cream that will undoubtedly impress anyone who tastes them.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 30 eclairs

Ingredients

For the eclair shells:
- 2 cups water
- 100 g butter
- 2 cups flour
- 6 eggs

For the cream:
- 800 ml milk
- 3 eggs
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 100 g sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla sugar (preferably homemade from powdered sugar and vanilla pods)
- 150 g butter

For the glaze:
- 100 g chocolate
- 50 g butter
- 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the eclair shells

1. Start by placing the 2 cups of water in a saucepan with the butter. Put the saucepan on medium heat and wait for it to reach boiling point.
2. When the water has boiled, turn off the heat. Add the flour all at once, stirring vigorously with a spatula or wooden spoon. It is important to mix quickly and firmly to avoid lumps, until the mixture becomes homogeneous and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
3. Let the dough cool slightly (about 5-10 minutes), then add the eggs one at a time. Each egg must be well incorporated before adding the next. This step is essential for achieving an airy texture.
4. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Using a pastry bag with a large tip, form strips of dough on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave enough space between each eclair, as they will rise considerably during baking.
5. Bake the eclairs for 15 minutes at 200 degrees, then reduce the temperature to 170 degrees and continue baking for another 15 minutes. Do not open the oven during baking, as the eclairs may collapse.

Step 2: Preparing the cream

1. In a double boiler (or a heatproof bowl that you can place over heat), mix the sugar with the cornstarch, vanilla sugar, and eggs. Use a whisk to achieve a homogeneous mixture.
2. Gradually add the milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
3. Place the bowl over medium heat and boil the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens like pudding. This is the moment to stop and add the butter, stirring until completely dissolved.
4. Let the cream cool slightly before using it.

Step 3: Assembling the eclairs

1. Once the eclair shells have completely cooled, cut them with a knife at the top to create a lid.
2. Using a teaspoon or a pastry bag, fill each shell with the prepared cream. Put the lid back on.

Step 4: Preparing the glaze

1. In a small saucepan, combine the chocolate, butter, and milk. Place it over low heat, stirring constantly until everything melts and becomes a homogeneous and glossy mixture.
2. Using a spatula or spoon, glaze each eclair with the chocolate mixture or, if you prefer, you can dust them with powdered sugar.

Chef's Tip

Homemade vanilla sugar adds a special touch to your eclairs. To prepare it, simply mix powdered sugar with split vanilla pods and let it sit for a few days. The aroma will become intense and delicious.

Possible Variations

Eclairs can be filled with various creams, such as chocolate cream, coffee cream, or even lemon cream for a fresher taste. You can also add chopped nuts or almonds to the filling cream for an extra texture.

Delicious Pairings

Eclairs pair perfectly with freshly brewed coffee or a cup of aromatic tea. For a refined dessert, you can serve eclairs with a berry sauce or vanilla ice cream.

Nutritional Benefits

Although eclairs are a dessert and should be consumed in moderation, they contain protein from eggs and milk, as well as healthy fats from butter. Eclairs can be an occasional treat that brings joy on special days.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why shouldn't I open the oven during baking?
Opening the oven can cause a sudden temperature change, which can make the eclairs collapse.

2. Can I freeze eclairs?
It is recommended to freeze the eclair shells without filling. Once filled, they can become soft and lose their crunchy texture.

3. How can I achieve perfectly airy eclairs?
Make sure to add the eggs one at a time and incorporate them well. Also, baking at the correct temperature is crucial for achieving a fluffy result.

Conclusion

Eclairs are a classic dessert, loved by many, that revives cherished memories from childhood. This simple and delicious recipe will turn every occasion into a special moment. Don't hesitate to experiment with various fillings and flavors! Enjoy the cooking process and savor every bite of these fluffy eclairs, which will surely become a favorite among family and friends.