Ingredients:
For the Choux Pastry:
1/2 cup (120ml) water
1/2 cup (120ml) milk
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
A pinch of salt
1 teaspoon sugar
For the Pastry Cream Filling:
2 cups (480ml) milk
1/2 cup (100g) sugar
6 egg yolks
1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Glaze:
1/2 cup (90g) chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
Directions:
Make the Choux Pastry:
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a saucepan, combine water, milk, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil.
Add flour all at once and stir vigorously until a dough forms.
Cook over medium heat for about 2 minutes to dry out the dough.
Transfer to a mixing bowl and let cool for a few minutes.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
Pipe the dough into 4-inch long strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 20-25 minutes until golden and puffed. Let them cool completely.
Prepare the Pastry Cream:
In a saucepan, heat the milk and half the sugar.
In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks and the remaining sugar until light. Whisk in cornstarch.
Gradually add the hot milk to the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Cover with plastic wrap and chill.
Make the Chocolate Glaze:
Heat the heavy cream until it begins to simmer.
Pour over the chocolate chips and let sit for a minute, then stir until smooth.
Assemble the Eclairs:
Cut the cooled eclairs in half lengthwise.
Pipe or spoon the pastry cream into the bottom halves.
Dip the top halves in the chocolate glaze and then place them on top of the filled bottoms.
Serve:
Let the eclairs set for a few minutes before serving.
Homemade eclairs are a luxurious treat that combine the textures of crisp pastry, smooth cream, and silky chocolate. They are perfect for a special occasion or whenever you want to indulge in a bit of French pastry magic. Bon appétit!