Paleuri... and 4 years alongside the recipe.

Delicious Shells with Chocolate Cream – A Recipe for Celebrating Beautiful Moments

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 10-12 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 50-60 shells

Welcome to the wonderful world of cooking, where every recipe tells a story! Today, we will prepare together a recipe that will remind you of festive moments, gatherings with loved ones, and the joy of sharing delicious desserts. This is about the delicious shells with chocolate cream, a perfect choice to celebrate four years of beautiful memories alongside talented cooks.

Discovering the Recipe: A Brief History

Cream-filled shells are a classic dessert, loved by many generations. These little delights were inspired by the tradition of pastry chefs who created airy pastries filled with various delicious creams. Today's recipe is a simplified version, yet no less impressive, that combines textures and flavors, making each bite a true pleasure.

Necessary Ingredients:

- 200 g butter (ideally at room temperature for easy incorporation)
- 200 g powdered sugar (for a fine sweetness)
- 1 pinch of salt (to balance the taste)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar (or vanilla extract)
- 4 eggs (to be fresh for better taste)
- 300 g flour (you can use type 000 flour for a finer texture)
- 200 g cooking chocolate (or dark chocolate for a more intense flavor)
- 100 g ground nuts (optional, but recommended for added texture)

Step by Step: Preparing the Shells

1. Preparing the Dough for Shells:
In a large bowl, add the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt. Use a whisk to cream these ingredients until you achieve a creamy and homogeneous mixture. It is important for the butter to be at room temperature for proper mixing.

2. Incorporating the Eggs:
Add one egg at a time, mixing well after each addition. This step is essential to ensure an airy texture of the shells. Be patient and ensure that each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.

3. Adding the Flour:
Finally, add the flour and gently mix with a wooden spatula until you obtain a homogeneous dough. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a denser texture.

4. Forming the Shells:
Place the dough in a piping bag and form small mounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Be sure to leave enough space between them, as they will expand during baking.

5. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the shells for 10-12 minutes, until they turn golden. Do not leave them too long, as they risk becoming dry!

6. Cooling the Shells:
After removing them from the oven, allow the shells to cool completely on a wire rack. This step is crucial to prevent moisture absorption.

Preparing the Delicious Cream

1. Melting the Chocolate:
In a heatproof bowl, add the cooking chocolate cut into pieces and the butter. You can use the bain-marie method or melt the chocolate in the microwave. If you choose the microwave, make sure to check it every 30 seconds to avoid burning.

2. Adding the Nuts:
Once the chocolate and butter have completely melted and been well mixed, add the ground nuts (if you choose to use them) and mix until homogeneous.

3. Filling the Shells:
Look for a "pair" for each shell and fill them with the chocolate cream. You can use a piping bag or a spoon, depending on your preferences.

4. Decorating:
For an elegant look, you can melt a little chocolate and use it to decorate the shells. A small glaze will make the dessert look truly special!

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These delicious shells are excellent to be served alongside a fragrant coffee or English tea. You can also experiment with different types of fillings: a chocolate cream or even a vanilla filling can transform the dessert into a new experience.

Nutritional Benefits

Besides being delicious, these shells contain ingredients that can offer some nutritional benefits. Butter and nuts provide healthy fats, while dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants. However, like any dessert, consumption should be moderate, considering the calorie content.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but the final texture may be different.

2. How long do the shells last?
The shells can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.

3. How can I make the shells less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe or use chocolate with a higher cocoa content, which is less sweet.

4. Can I replace the chocolate with another ingredient?
Sure! You can use a fruit cream or a vanilla filling for a different version.

In conclusion, preparing these delicious shells with chocolate cream is a true pleasure. Whether you're making them for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, I encourage you to try them. Each step of the recipe will bring you closer to a perfect result and memorable moments with loved ones. Enjoy!