This recipe guides you through making classic French cream-filled pastries, featuring a light and airy choux pastry filled with a rich and creamy custard. Perfect for special occasions or simply indulging in a delightful treat.
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Ingredients:
For the Pastry Cream:
- 2 eggs
- 100 grams of sugar
- 30 grams of starch
- Vanillin, to taste
- 500 grams of milk
For the Choux Pastry:
- 100 grams of water
- 100 grams of milk
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of sugar
- 80 grams of butter
- 120 grams of flour
- 3-4 eggs
For Decoration:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
Make the Pastry Cream:
- Whisk Eggs and Sugar: In a bowl, whisk together 2 eggs and 100 grams of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Starch and Vanillin: Mix in 30 grams of starch and a bit of vanillin, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Heat the Milk: In a saucepan, heat 500 grams of milk until it just starts to simmer.
- Temper the Egg Mixture: Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, stirring constantly to avoid curdling.
- Cook the Cream: Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a custard-like consistency.
- Cool the Cream: Transfer the thickened cream to a bowl and allow it to cool to room temperature.
Make the Choux Pastry:
- Heat Liquids and Butter: In a clean saucepan, combine 100 grams of water, 100 grams of milk, a pinch of salt, a pinch of sugar, and 80 grams of butter. Heat until the butter melts completely.
- Add Flour: Once the butter mixture is boiling, add 120 grams of flour all at once, stirring vigorously until the dough comes together and forms a smooth ball. Cook over low heat for 2-3 minutes to remove excess moisture, then remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- Incorporate Eggs: Gradually add 3-4 eggs to the cooled dough, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough should be smooth and glossy and should fall off the spoon in a thick ribbon.
- Pipe the Dough: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round or star tip. Pipe small mounds of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them slightly apart.
Bake the Pastry:
- Bake: Bake the choux pastry in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for 20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up. Do not open the oven door during baking, as this could cause the pastries to collapse.
- Cool: Once baked, remove the pastries from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
Prepare the Filling:
- Beat the Cream: Once the pastry cream has cooled, beat it with a mixer until smooth.
- Add Butter: Add 100 grams of butter to the cream and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Assemble the Pastries:
- Fill the Pastries: Fill a piping bag with the prepared pastry cream. Using a small knife, make a hole in the bottom of each cooled choux pastry, then pipe the cream inside until filled.
- Dust with Sugar: Dust the filled pastries with powdered sugar before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Dessert: Serve these cream-filled pastries as a delightful dessert with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Special Occasions: Perfect for celebrations, holidays, or afternoon tea parties.
Cooking Tips:
- Consistent Size: Pipe the dough evenly to ensure that the pastries bake uniformly.
- Smooth Cream: Ensure the pastry cream is completely cooled before beating in the butter to avoid curdling.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Eggs: Provide protein and essential vitamins like B12 and D.
- Milk: Adds calcium and protein, essential for bone health.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian: Yes.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Classic French Treat: These pastries offer the classic French flavors and textures of light choux pastry and rich pastry cream.
- Versatile: Perfect for a variety of occasions, from casual gatherings to elegant celebrations.
- Impressive Yet Easy: Though they look impressive, these pastries are straightforward to make with basic ingredients.
Conclusion:
These cream-filled French pastries are a delightful treat that’s sure to impress. With their light, airy texture and rich, creamy filling, they make a perfect dessert for any occasion. Enjoy baking and savoring these classic French delights!