16 Cream Puffs Recipe South Africa Cook Up Something Special!

Ingredients

For the Cream Puffs:

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

For the Custard Filling:

• 2 cups milk
• 4 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Before we dive into the recipe, let's take a moment to appreciate the main ingredient that gives cream puffs their light and airy texture - eggs. Eggs are a staple in many South African dishes and are an important source of protein. In this recipe, the eggs are used to create a choux pastry, which is the base for the cream puffs.

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Choux Pastry

In a saucepan, bring 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to a boil. Once the butter has melted, remove the pan from heat and add 1 cup of all-purpose flour. Stir vigorously until a smooth dough forms.

Return the pan to medium heat and continue to stir the dough for about 2 minutes. This will help remove excess moisture and create a smooth texture. Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for 5 minutes.

Add 4 eggs, one at a time, into the dough, beating well after each addition. The dough should be smooth and shiny.

Step 2: Pipe and Bake the Cream Puffs

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and transfer the choux pastry dough into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, making small circles about 2 inches in diameter, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one.

Bake the cream puffs for 25-30 minutes, until they are golden brown and puffed up. Do not open the oven door during baking, as this can cause the cream puffs to deflate.

Step 3: Make the Custard Filling

In a medium saucepan, heat 2 cups of milk over medium-high heat until it starts to simmer.

In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 egg yolks, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup of cornstarch until smooth. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly, to temper the eggs.

Transfer the mixture back to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Let the custard cool completely.

Step 4: Assemble the Cream Puffs

Using a sharp knife, cut the cream puffs in half horizontally. Spoon the cooled custard into the bottom half of the cream puff and place the top half back on. Repeat with the remaining cream puffs.

Step 5: Chocolate Sauce (Optional)

To add an extra touch of decadence, you can make a simple chocolate sauce to drizzle over the cream puffs. Simply melt 1 cup of chocolate chips with 1/4 cup of heavy cream in a double boiler or in the microwave. Drizzle the sauce over the assembled cream puffs and let it set for a few minutes before serving.

And there you have it - delicious and elegant cream puffs, made right in your own kitchen. These little treats are sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more. Enjoy!

In Conclusion

Cream puffs are a delightful and versatile dessert that can be enjoyed on any occasion. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can now make them at home and add your own unique touch to them. So go ahead and give it a try, and don't forget to share your delicious creations with us!