Ingredients with Measurements:
-1 cup (250 mL) water
-1/2 cup (125 mL) butter
-1 cup (250 mL) all-purpose flour
-4 large eggs
-1/2 teaspoon (2 mL) vanilla
-1/4 teaspoon (1 mL) salt
-1/2 cup (125 mL) whipping cream
-1/2 cup (125 mL) icing sugar
-1/4 cup (60 mL) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Special Equipment Needed:
-Medium saucepan
-Wooden spoon
-Baking sheet
-Piping bag
-Pastry brush
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and add flour all at once, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until mixture forms a ball.
4. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
5. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
6. Stir in vanilla and salt.
7. Transfer mixture to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
8. Pipe mixture onto a greased baking sheet in 3-inch (7.5 cm) strips.
9. Brush tops with a little water and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
10. Let cool completely.
11. In a medium bowl, whip cream until stiff peaks form.
12. Add icing sugar and beat until combined.
13. Cut eclairs in half lengthwise and fill with cream.
14. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave and drizzle over eclairs.
Time:
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Temperature: 400°F (200°C)
Serving Size: Makes 12 eclairs
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 250
Fat: 14 g
Carbohydrates: 24 g
Protein: 5 g
Substitutions for Ingredients
-Butter: Margarine or vegetable shortening
-All-purpose flour: Whole wheat flour
-Whipping cream: Coconut cream
-Icing sugar: Powdered sugar
-Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Dark chocolate chips
Variations:
-Add a teaspoon (5 mL) of ground cinnamon to the batter for a hint of spice.
-Substitute the cream filling with a chocolate ganache.
-Top with chopped nuts or sprinkles.
Tips and Tricks:
-Make sure the butter and water are boiling before adding the flour.
-Let the dough cool for 5 minutes before adding the eggs.
-Be sure to pipe the dough onto the baking sheet in even strips.
Storage Instructions:
Eclairs can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Eclairs can be reheated in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 5 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve eclairs on a platter with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
Garnishes:
-Whipped cream
-Chocolate shavings
-Chopped nuts
Pairings:
-Coffee
-Tea
-Hot chocolate
Suggested Side Dishes:
-Fruit salad
-Yogurt parfait
-Granola
Troubleshooting Advice:
-If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
-If the eclairs are not golden brown after 25 minutes, bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Food Safety Advice:
-Keep all ingredients and utensils clean and sanitized.
-Do not leave the eclairs out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Food History:
Eclairs are a classic French pastry that have been around since the 19th century. They are believed to have been invented by a French chef named Antonin Carême.
Flavor Profiles:
Eclairs have a sweet and creamy flavor with hints of vanilla and chocolate.
Serving Suggestions:
Eclairs are best served chilled or at room temperature. They can also be served warm with a scoop of ice cream.
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Region: French