Classic French Éclairs

Embark on a culinary adventure with these Classic French Éclairs, an elegant and refined dessert that promises to delight with its light pastry, lush cream filling, and rich chocolate topping.

Makes: 9-10 eclairs

Ingredients for La Crème Filling:

• 2 cups milk
• 4 egg yolks
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions for La Crème:

1. Warm the milk in a saucepan until it's about to simmer.
2. In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks with sugar until pale, then mix in the flour.
3. Gradually pour the warm milk into the yolk mixture, whisking constantly.
4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring until it thickens.
5. Remove from heat, stir in the butter and vanilla, and let it cool.

Ingredients for Choux Pastry:

• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup water
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 3 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• A pinch of salt

Instructions for Choux Pastry:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a pot, combine milk, water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil.
3. Add flour all at once and stir vigorously until a dough forms.
4. Cook, stirring, for another 2-3 minutes to dry out the dough.
5. Let the dough cool slightly, then add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
6. Pipe the dough into 10 cm long strips on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for about 30-35 minutes until golden and puffed.

Ingredients for Chocolate Sauce:

• 2.6 oz dark chocolate
• 1/3 cup cream
• 1.4 oz unsalted butter

Instructions for Chocolate Sauce:

1. Melt chocolate and cream in a double boiler.
2. Once smooth, remove from heat and whisk in butter until glossy.

Assembly:

1. Once éclairs are cool, slice them open and pipe in the chilled cream filling.
2. Dip the top of each éclair into the warm chocolate sauce.
3. Allow the chocolate to set before serving.

Serve these Classic French Éclairs as a sumptuous dessert to cap off a fine dining experience or as an indulgent treat for any occasion. Bon appétit! 👩🏻‍🍳🍫🍮