Eclairs with vanilla cream

Eclairs with vanilla cream - a classic dessert that combines the delicacy of crispy shells with a fine, aromatic cream and a decadent chocolate glaze. The origins of this dessert are deeply rooted in pastry tradition, and each bite takes us back to moments of indulgence and joy. Making eclairs may seem intimidating, but with a little patience and by following the right steps, you will achieve spectacular results that will impress anyone.

Total preparation time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Number of servings: 12 eclairs

Ingredients

For the eclair shells:
- 250 ml water
- 100 g margarine (or butter for a richer taste)
- A pinch of salt
- 7 tablespoons of flour
- 3 eggs

For the vanilla cream:
- 400 ml milk
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 vanilla pod (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)
- Grated zest of one lemon (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons of margarine (or butter)

For the glaze:
- 3 tablespoons of milk
- 100 g dark chocolate (or white chocolate, depending on preferences)

Step-by-step instructions

Preparing the eclair shells

1. Boil the water: In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the margarine and a pinch of salt. Let it boil until the margarine is completely melted.

2. Add the flour: When the margarine is melted, reduce the heat and add all the flour at once. Stir vigorously with a whisk or wooden spatula until the mixture becomes homogeneous and pulls away easily from the sides of the saucepan. This is a crucial step as it contributes to forming a light structure.

3. Cool the mixture: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool for 10-15 minutes. This is an important step to avoid cooking the eggs when you add them.

4. Add the eggs: Once the mixture has cooled, add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. Use an electric mixer to achieve a smooth texture if desired.

5. Shape the eclairs: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Prepare a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Use a piping bag or a spoon to form strips of dough on the tray, leaving space between them, as the eclairs will rise during baking.

6. Bake the shells: Bake the eclairs in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes until they are golden and crispy. Do not open the oven in the first 20 minutes, or they may collapse.

Preparing the vanilla cream

1. Mix the ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk the eggs with the sugar until frothy. Add the milk, flour, lemon zest (if using), and the seeds from the vanilla pod or vanilla extract.

2. Cook the cream: Place the saucepan over low heat and continuously stir with a whisk to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the cream thickens and becomes velvety.

3. Add the margarine: Once the cream is ready, remove it from the heat and add the margarine. Mix well until fully melted and the cream becomes glossy.

4. Cool the cream: Transfer the cream to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface of the cream to prevent a crust from forming. Let it cool completely.

Preparing the glaze

1. Melt the chocolate: In a small saucepan, add the 3 tablespoons of milk and the broken chocolate pieces. Place it over low heat and stir constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and becomes a smooth glaze.

Assembling the eclairs

1. Fill the eclairs: When the eclair shells are completely cooled, cut them in half. Use a spoon or a piping bag to fill each half with the vanilla cream.

2. Finish with the glaze: Place the top half of the eclair back on and pour the chocolate glaze over them. You can make a white chocolate glaze for a beautiful contrast or add coconut flakes on top for added texture.

Practical tips

- Choose quality ingredients: Use good quality butter for a richer taste in the eclair shells. If you choose margarine, make sure it is high-fat for better texture.
- Eclairs can be frozen: If you have excess eclairs, you can freeze them without filling. When you want to serve them, thaw and fill with fresh cream.
- Vary the flavors: You can add different flavors to the vanilla cream, such as almond extract or coffee, to diversify the recipe.

Nutritional information

Each eclair has approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Eclairs contain protein from eggs and milk, as well as fats from margarine/butter. Consumed in moderation, this dessert can be part of a balanced diet.

Serving combinations

Eclairs with vanilla cream can be served alongside a fragrant coffee or herbal tea. Additionally, a berry sauce or vanilla ice cream can add extra flavor and freshness.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
- Whole wheat flour is not recommended for eclairs as it can affect the texture. White flour is ideal for achieving a light and airy consistency.

2. How can I avoid deflated eclairs?
- Make sure not to open the oven door during baking and that the eclairs are fully cooked before removing them.

3. Can I make eclairs a day in advance?
- Yes, the eclair shells can be made a day in advance, but make sure to fill them with cream only before serving to prevent sogginess.

Eclairs with vanilla cream are not just a delicious dessert but also a way to add a touch of magic to any occasion. So, put on your chef's attire and start your culinary adventure! Each bite will be a revelation, and your friends and family will surely appreciate your effort. Enjoy!