Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup chestnut cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chopped marron glacé (candied chestnuts)
Special equipment needed:
- Piping bag with a round tip
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Add flour to the saucepan and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.
5. Add eggs one at a time, stirring vigorously after each addition until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
6. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a round tip.
7. Pipe the dough onto the prepared baking sheet in 3-inch long strips, leaving 2 inches of space between each strip.
8. Bake the eclairs for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
9. Remove the eclairs from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
10. In a medium bowl, whisk together chestnut cream, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until smooth.
11. Cut a small slit on the bottom of each eclair and pipe the chestnut cream filling into the center.
12. Sprinkle chopped marron glacé on top of the filled eclairs.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Serving size:
This recipe makes 12 eclairs.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 250
Total fat: 17g
Saturated fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 75mg
Total carbohydrates: 21g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Sugar: 13g
Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chestnut cream can be substituted with hazelnut spread or chocolate ganache.
- Marron glacé can be substituted with chopped pecans or walnuts.
Variations:
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the chestnut cream filling for extra flavor.
- Dip the top of the eclairs in melted chocolate and sprinkle with chopped nuts for a decadent finish.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to pipe the dough evenly to ensure the eclairs bake evenly.
- Let the eclairs cool completely before filling them to prevent the filling from melting.
- Use a serrated knife to cut the eclairs for a clean cut.
Storage instructions:
Store the filled eclairs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the eclairs, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake them for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the filled eclairs on a platter and dust them with powdered sugar for a simple presentation.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle chopped marron glacé or chopped nuts on top of the filled eclairs for a festive touch.
Pairings:
Serve the marron glacé eclairs with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delicious treat.
Suggested side dishes:
These eclairs make a great dessert on their own, but can also be served with fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
- If the eclairs are too soft or undercooked, bake them for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to store the filled eclairs in the refrigerator to prevent the filling from spoiling.
Food history:
Eclairs are a classic French pastry that originated in the 19th century. Marron glacé, or candied chestnuts, are a popular confection in France and are often used in desserts.
Flavor profiles:
These marron glacé eclairs have a sweet and nutty flavor with a creamy filling.
Serving suggestions:
Serve these eclairs as a dessert at a dinner party or enjoy them as a special treat with a cup of coffee or tea.
Related Categories
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Region: French
Taste: Sweet, Creamy, Nutty, Caramelized