Chocolate Eclairs

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Ingredients:

  • 70 grams butter
  • 1 cup water (250 ml)
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup plain flour (sifted) (125 grams)
  • 2 eggs (whisked)
  • 1 additional egg yolk

Cream Filling:

  • 300 ml thickened cream (a little extra if you prefer more cream)
  • 1 tablespoon icing sugar

Chocolate Icing:

  • ⅓ cup dark chocolate chips (or milk chocolate if preferred)
  • ⅓ cup thickened cream

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to moderately hot (190 degrees Celsius, fan-forced).
  2. In a saucepan, heat water and butter until the butter melts, and the mixture begins to boil. Remove it from heat.
  3. Stir in sifted flour and mix briskly using a wooden spoon. Return to heat for 30 seconds, continuously stirring. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it cool for 10 minutes.
  5. Beat in the egg yolk and then each egg, one at a time until combined.
  6. Using a piping bag, pipe 6 x 13 cm long eclairs onto baking trays lined with baking paper. Bake for 25 minutes.
  7. Cut eclairs in half horizontally, leaving one long edge intact. Return to the oven for 3 minutes, then let them cool on a rack.
  8. Whip thickened cream and icing sugar until stiff peaks form.
  9. Fill each eclair with cream using a piping nozzle, creating a wave pattern down the length. Place in the fridge.
  10. Place chocolate chips in a bowl. Heat cream in a saucepan until boiling.
  11. Pour heated cream over chocolate chips, stir, and let sit for a few minutes. Stir until combined.
  12. Dip the top of each eclair into the glaze, let excess drip off, then invert and place back on the tray.
  13. Fill any gaps in the glaze with a teaspoon. Refrigerate to set and store.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for the glaze?
A: Absolutely! Customize the glaze to your preference.

Q: How long can I store the eclairs?
A: For best freshness, consume within 2-3 days. Store in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I freeze the filled eclairs?
A: It’s not recommended, as the cream may not retain its texture upon thawing.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, these homemade Chocolate Eclairs are a labor of love resulting in a divine treat. Follow these steps to create a visual and culinary masterpiece that’s sure to impress. Indulge in the decadence of light pastry, fluffy cream, and rich chocolate – a perfect delight for any occasion!

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