Cream Puffs with a Twist: Choux au Craquelin

How to Make Cream Puffs with a Twist: Choux au Craquelin

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Cream

1. In a medium saucepan, combine 2/3 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of table salt, and 6 large egg yolks.
2. Slowly add 1/2 cup of cold milk to the mixture while whisking constantly.
3. Cook the mixture over medium heat for about 8 minutes until it thickens.
4. Remove from heat and stir in 4 tablespoons of cold butter and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract.
5. Transfer the pastry cream to a wide bowl to cool down and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.

Step 2: Prepare the Craquelin Dough

1. In a bowl, mix together 4 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
2. Shape the dough into a 6-inch square on a piece of parchment paper.
3. Use a 2-inch biscuit cutter to cut out 24 circles.
4. Freeze the dough circles for at least 2 hours.

Step 3: Prepare the Choux Pastry

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet with non-stick spray and a light dusting of flour.
2. In a saucepan, combine 6 tablespoons of water, 5 tablespoons of butter, 2 tablespoons of whole milk, 1.5 teaspoons of granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Heat until the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Transfer the mixture to a food processor and cool it down for 10 seconds.
4. Add 2 whole eggs and 1 egg white to the mixture and blend until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

1. Pipe 1.5-inch mounds of the choux pastry onto the prepared baking sheet.
2. Place a frozen Craquelin circle on top of each mound.
3. Bake for 15 minutes until golden brown.
4. Make a 3/4-inch slit in the side of each baked pastry to allow steam to escape.
5. Let the pastries dry out in the turned-off oven.

Step 5: Fill the Pastries

1. Whip 1 cup of cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
2. Fold the whipped cream into the chilled pastry cream.
3. Fill each pastry with about 2 tablespoons of the cream mixture using a piping bag.

Step 6: Enjoy the Choux au Craquelin

1. Serve and enjoy the Cream Puffs with a Twist: Choux au Craquelin with a unique and delicious flavor combination.
2. Freeze any leftover Craquelin dough for future use.

By following these steps, you can create a delightful and visually appealing dessert that will impress your guests.