CREAM PUFFS

Certainly! Cream puffs are delicious pastries filled with cream, and they’re relatively simple to make. Here’s a basic recipe for you:

Ingredients:

For the Choux Pastry:

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs

For the Filling:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Choux Pastry:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring it to a boil over medium heat.
3. Remove the saucepan from heat and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball.
4. Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for a few minutes.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The batter should be smooth and shiny.
6. Spoon or pipe the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each puff.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the puffs are golden brown and crisp.
8. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Filling:

1. In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until it starts to thicken.
2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
3. Once the cream puffs have cooled completely, cut them in half horizontally.
4. Spoon or pipe the whipped cream onto the bottom half of each puff.
5. Place the top half of the puff over the cream to create a sandwich.

Optional:

• Dust the filled cream puffs with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.

Enjoy your homemade cream puffs! They are best served fresh but can be refrigerated for a few hours.