Making the Choux Pastry:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Heat the Liquids: In a medium saucepan, combine water, milk, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, ensuring the butter is completely melted.
- Add the Flour: Once the mixture is boiling, add the flour all at once, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon. Continue to cook and stir until the dough comes together and forms a ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 1 minute.
- Cool the Dough: Remove the pan from heat and let the dough cool for a few minutes. This prevents the eggs from cooking when they are added.
- Add the Eggs: Beat the eggs in one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. The dough should be smooth and glossy after all the eggs have been added.
- Pipe the Dough: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe 1 to 1.5-inch rounds onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden, puffed, and firm. Do not open the oven door during the initial 20 minutes of baking to prevent the puffs from collapsing.
Preparing the Cream Filling:
- Whip the Cream: In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Fill the Puffs: Once the choux pastry puffs have cooled, cut them in half horizontally. Spoon or pipe the whipped cream into the bottom halves, then replace the tops.
Finishing Touches:
- Dust the filled cream puffs with powdered sugar just before serving for a beautiful, professional touch.
Tips:
- Serving: Cream puffs are best served the day they are made, as they can become soggy if left to sit.
- Storage: If you need to store them, keep the unfilled puffs in an airtight container at room temperature, and the whipped cream in the refrigerator. Fill the puffs shortly before serving.
- Variations: For a twist, you can also fill the puffs with pastry cream, chocolate mousse, or even a savory filling for an appetizer.
Cream puffs are a classic and versatile dessert that, while seemingly intricate, are quite simple to make with a bit of practice. Enjoy the process and the delicious results of your efforts!