MOM’S FAMOUS CREAM PUFFS

Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs

Ingredients:

For the Pastry:

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs

For the Filling:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Glaze (optional):

• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon corn syrup (optional for shine)

Instructions:

Making the Pastry:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
   • Remove from heat and quickly stir in the flour until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
   • Let the dough cool for about 5 minutes.
3. Add the Eggs:
   • Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl.
   • Using an electric mixer, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. The dough should be smooth and shiny.
4. Pipe the Dough:
   • Spoon the dough into a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip (or use a zip-top bag with a corner cut off).
   • Pipe mounds of dough (about 2 inches in diameter) onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
5. Bake:
   • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
   • Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the puffs cool in the oven for 10-15 minutes to prevent them from collapsing.

Making the Filling:

1. Whip the Cream:
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
2. Fill the Puffs:
   • Once the puffs are completely cool, cut them in half horizontally.
   • Spoon or pipe the whipped cream into the bottom halves of the puffs, then replace the tops.

Optional Chocolate Glaze:

1. Melt the Chocolate:
   • In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, butter, and corn syrup (if using).
   • Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and glossy.
2. Glaze the Puffs:
   • Drizzle the chocolate glaze over the filled cream puffs, or dip the tops into the glaze.

Serve and Enjoy!

These cream puffs are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.