Profiterole

Profiterole is a refined dessert, perfect for any occasion, characterized by a light and airy dough, filled with delicious cream and accompanied by a decadent chocolate sauce. This simple recipe will guide you step by step in preparing this quick dessert, with a spectacular result. In about 1 hour, you will have 12 servings of profiteroles that will surely impress all your loved ones.

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 150g flour
- 75g butter (cut into cubes)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 250ml water
- 4 eggs
- a pinch of salt

For the filling and serving:
- 100g whipped cream
- 200g vanilla or fruit ice cream
- 50g chocolate (for sauce)
- 4 tablespoons milk (for sauce)
- fresh fruits (optional)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the dough: In a medium saucepan, add 250ml of water, the cubed butter, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat and wait for it to reach boiling point. Once the water boils, add the flour in a rain, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan, forming a compact ball. This is when you should turn off the heat.

2. Adding the eggs: Let the dough cool for a few minutes. Then, add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition, until the dough becomes smooth and shiny. It will have a slightly soft consistency but will be moldable.

3. Baking the dough: Preheat the oven to 210°C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Using a spoon or a piping bag, form small dough balls on the tray, making sure to leave enough space between them to rise. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes or until golden and fluffy. Do not open the oven in the first 10 minutes, as you risk letting them deflate.

4. Preparing the chocolate sauce: In a small bowl, melt the chocolate together with the 4 tablespoons of milk in a saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and the sauce becomes smooth. Let it cool slightly before using.

5. Filling the dough: Once the dough balls have completely cooled, cut them in half with a sharp knife. Fill each half with whipped cream or vanilla/fruit ice cream, depending on your preference. We recommend using freshly whipped cream for a more intense flavor and airy texture.

6. Serving: Arrange the filled dough balls on a platter and pour the warm chocolate sauce over them. You can also add fresh fruits, such as raspberries or strawberries, for a pleasant contrast of flavors and colors.

Tips and variations:

- You can experiment with different types of fillings: chocolate cream, mascarpone, or even a combination with fresh fruits.
- If you want to add a splash of flavor, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough.
- Profiteroles can be frozen before filling, so if you want to prepare them in advance, make sure to take them out a few hours before serving to defrost.

With this recipe, you will be able to bring a touch of elegance to every meal. Profiterole, with its airy texture and creamy filling, is certainly a dessert that will leave everyone smiling. Enjoy!