Introduction
Chocolate eclairs are a classic French pastry made with choux pastry, filled with cream and topped with chocolate. They are simple to make at home and are always a crowd pleaser!
Ingredients
-1/2 cup (120ml) water
-1/2 cup (120ml) milk
-1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
-1 teaspoon sugar
-1/4 teaspoon salt
-1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
-4 eggs
-1 recipe pastry cream
-1 recipe chocolate glaze
Method
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring water, milk, butter, sugar, and salt to a boil over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in flour until well blended.
3. Transfer mixture to a large bowl and let cool for 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Transfer mixture to a pastry bag fitted with a star tip and pipe 1-inch (2.5cm) mounds onto the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Using a small knife, make a slit in the side of each eclair and fill with pastry cream.
7. Dip the top of each eclair into the chocolate glaze and let set.
Potential Changes & Improvements
-For a different flavor, you could try using a flavored cream, such as vanilla or coffee.
-Try using a different type of chocolate for the glaze, such as milk chocolate or white chocolate.
-You could also dust the eclairs with powdered sugar or cocoa powder before serving.
What Other Foods It Works Well With
-Chocolate eclairs are typically served as a dessert, but could also be served as a snack or light breakfast.
-Try serving them with a cup of coffee or tea.
-They would also be good with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Common Mistakes
-One common mistake is not cooking the choux pastry long enough. Make sure to cook it until it is golden brown and crispy.
-Another mistake is over-filling the eclairs. Be sure to use a small knife to make a slit in the side of each eclair, otherwise the cream will burst out the top.
Nutritional Information
-Chocolate eclairs are typically high in calories and fat.
-One eclair is typically around 200-250 calories.
Allergens
-Chocolate eclairs contain eggs, milk, and wheat.