Showing posts with label cream puffs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cream puffs. Show all posts

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Chocolate Eclairs

My grandma used to make eclairs for special occasions. I begged her to make these for my wedding reception - which she willingly did. I should have just asked her to make me a lifetime supply, forget the guests! I love these babies. Really, they are the same thing as cream puffs, solely differing in shape.

I was running through some old photos and realized I made these, took photos, and then forgot to post the recipe. I've tried several recipes, and found that the following from a Better Homes and Gardens cookbook is my favorite.
 
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1 c. water
1/2 c. butter
1/8 t. salt
1 c. flour
4 eggs
Whipped cream, pudding, or ice cream for filling
Chocolate glaze

In a medium saucepan combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to boiling. Add flour all at once, stirring vigorously. Cook and stir till mixture forms a ball. Remove from heat. Cool for 10 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well with a wooden spoon after each addition.

Spoon dough into a decorating bag fitted with a large plain round tip (1/2 inch opening). Pipe 12 strips of dough, 3 inches apart, onto a greased baking sheet, making each strip 4 inches long, 1 inch wide, and 3/4 inch high. Bake at 400* for 30-35 minutes or until golden. Cool on a wire rack.

*Cream Puffs variation - Drop dough by 12 heaping tablespoons onto a greased baking sheet. Bake as above.

Fill with whipped cream or pudding and frost with chocolate glaze. I recommend a vanilla pudding filling.

Chocolate Glaze
4 oz. semisweet chocolate or chocolate chips
3 T. butter or margarine
1 1/2 c. powdered sugar
dash of salt
3 T. hot water

Melt chocolate, and butter/margarine over low heat stirring frequently.
Remove from heat. Stir in sifted powdered sugar and hot water. Stir in additional hot water, if needed to reach drizzling consistency.

Spoon/drizzle over eclairs or cream puffs.