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Martha Stewart Makes Puff Pastry 3 Ways (Éclair, Creme Puffs) | Martha Bakes S1E8 "Pâte à Choux"

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Originating from France, éclairs are a beloved pastry made from choux dough filled with cream and topped with icing. Traditionally, they are filled with pastry cream, but the maple variation adds a delightful twist that reflects the rich culinary heritage of the region. Today, éclairs are enjoyed globally, often filled with various creams and flavors, showcasing their versatility and appeal.

Ingredients

  • all-purpose flour
  • water
  • unsalted butter
  • eggs
  • salt
  • sugar
  • heavy cream
  • maple syrup
  • vanilla extract
  • powdered sugar
  • cornstarch
  • milk
  • gelatin
  • chocolate
  • cocoa powder

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. 2In a saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt; bring to a boil.
  3. 3Add flour all at once, stirring vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
  4. 4Remove from heat; let cool slightly before adding eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until smooth.
  5. 5Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip.
  6. 6Pipe 4-inch strips onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each.
  7. 7Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and puffed, then turn off the oven and let cool inside for 10 minutes.
  8. 8Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
  9. 9For the filling, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form; fold in maple syrup and vanilla extract.
  10. 10Carefully slice each éclair in half lengthwise and fill with the maple cream mixture.
  11. 11For the glaze, melt chocolate and mix with cocoa powder and a splash of milk until smooth.
  12. 12Dip the tops of the éclairs in the chocolate glaze and let set before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

heavy cream

Healthier: Greek yogurt

Cheaper: milk + cornstarch

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

unsalted butter

Healthier: coconut oil

Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil is dairy-free and healthier

maple syrup

Healthier: agave syrup

Cheaper: honey

Agave syrup is lower on the glycemic index

chocolate

Healthier: dark chocolate

Cheaper: chocolate chips

Dark chocolate has more antioxidants and is healthier

Techniques

pipingwhippingmelting

Equipment

saucepanbaking sheetpiping bagmixing bowlwhiskwire rack
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowmilkeggswheat

Also Known As

Éclairs au sirop d'érableMaple Cream Puffs

The éclair, a classic French pastry, is known for its light choux pastry filled with cream and topped with chocolate. Traditionally enjoyed as a dessert or snack, it has become a beloved treat worldwide, often found in bakeries and cafes. In South Korea, variations may include unique fillings like matcha or sweet red bean, reflecting local tastes.

Ingredients

  • all-purpose flour
  • water
  • butter
  • salt
  • eggs
  • vanilla extract
  • heavy cream
  • powdered sugar
  • chocolate
  • gelatin
  • milk
  • cocoa powder
  • sugar
  • cornstarch
  • espresso powder

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. 2In a saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt; bring to a boil.
  3. 3Add flour all at once and stir vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
  4. 4Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
  5. 5Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until smooth and glossy.
  6. 6Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip.
  7. 7Pipe long strips onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  8. 8Bake for 20-25 minutes until puffed and golden brown; do not open the oven door during baking.
  9. 9Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
  10. 10In a bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form; add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
  11. 11Fill a piping bag with the whipped cream and inject it into the cooled éclairs from both ends.
  12. 12Melt chocolate in a bowl over simmering water; stir in a little butter for shine.
  13. 13Dip the tops of the filled éclairs in the melted chocolate and let set on a wire rack.

Ingredient Alternatives

heavy cream

Healthier: Greek yogurt

Cheaper: milk + cornstarch

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

Techniques

mixingpipingbaking

Equipment

saucepanpiping bagbaking sheetwire rackmixing bowl
milkeggswheat

Also Known As

ÉclairChocolate Éclair

Cream puffs, or profiteroles, are a classic French pastry made from choux pastry. They are often filled with whipped cream, custard, or ice cream and can be served as a dessert or a sweet treat at celebrations. Their light and airy texture makes them a favorite in French patisserie, and they are enjoyed worldwide, often customized with various fillings and toppings.

Ingredients

  • water
  • butter
  • flour
  • eggs
  • sugar
  • cream
  • vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
  2. 2In a saucepan, combine water and butter; bring to a boil.
  3. 3Add flour and stir until the mixture forms a ball.
  4. 4Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  5. 5Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  6. 6Pipe the dough onto a baking sheet in small mounds.
  7. 7Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and puffed.
  8. 8Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
  9. 9Whip cream with sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
  10. 10Cut the tops off the puffs and fill with whipped cream.
  11. 11Replace the tops and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

butter

Healthier: coconut oil

Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil is lower in saturated fat.

heavy cream

Healthier: whipped coconut cream

Cheaper: whipped topping

Whipped coconut cream is dairy-free and lower in calories.

Techniques

boilingmixingbakingpiping

Equipment

saucepanmixing bowlpiping bagbaking sheetwhisk
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowglutendairyegg

Also Known As

ProfiterolesChoux à la Crème

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chocolate ganache (for drizzling)

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. 2In a saucepan, combine water and butter over medium heat until the butter melts.
  3. 3Add flour and salt to the saucepan, stirring vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides.
  4. 4Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
  5. 5Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
  6. 6Spoon or pipe the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, forming small mounds.
  7. 7Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up.
  8. 8Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
  9. 9In a bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
  10. 10Once the profiteroles are cool, cut a small slit in the side of each and fill with whipped cream.
  11. 11Drizzle with chocolate ganache before serving.

Equipment

saucepanmixing bowlbaking sheetpiping bagwhiskwire rack

Gougeres are a classic French pastry made from choux dough combined with cheese. They are often served as an appetizer or snack and are popular at celebrations and gatherings. Their light, airy texture and cheesy flavor make them a favorite in French cuisine, often enjoyed with wine or as part of a larger meal.

Ingredients

  • water
  • butter
  • flour
  • eggs
  • cheese
  • salt

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
  2. 2In a saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt; bring to a boil.
  3. 3Add flour all at once, stirring vigorously until the mixture forms a ball.
  4. 4Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  5. 5Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing until smooth after each addition.
  6. 6Stir in grated cheese until evenly distributed.
  7. 7Spoon or pipe the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  8. 8Bake for 20-25 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
  9. 9Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

cheese

Healthier: nutritional yeast

Cheaper: processed cheese

Nutritional yeast is lower in calories and adds a cheesy flavor.

Techniques

boilingmixingbaking

Equipment

saucepanmixing bowlbaking sheetparchment paperwhisk
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowglutendairyeggs

Also Known As

Cheese PuffsChoux au Fromage

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