Chocolate Éclairs

Ingredients:

Choux Pastry:

• Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (113g)
• Water: 1/2 cup (125ml)
• Milk: 1/2 cup (125ml)
• All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup (125g)
• Salt: 1/4 tsp
• Large Eggs: 4

Pastry Cream Filling:

• Milk: 2 cups (475ml)
• Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup (100g)
• Egg Yolks: 4
• Cornstarch: 1/4 cup (30g)
• Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp

Chocolate Glaze:

• Dark Chocolate Chips: 1/2 cup (90g)
• Heavy Cream: 1/4 cup (60ml)

Directions:

1. Choux Pastry Creation:
   1. Begin by bringing water, milk, butter, and salt to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan.
   2. Swiftly stir in flour, working vigorously until a dough forms.
   3. Over low heat, cook for 2 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly.
   4. Incorporate eggs one at a time until the dough is gloriously smooth and shiny.
2. Baking Brilliance:
   1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   2. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, pipe the dough into elegant 4-inch strips.
   3. Bake for 25-30 minutes until they bloom golden and puff up.
   4. Let them cool on a wire rack, dreaming of their creamy future.
3. Pastry Cream Perfection:
   1. Warm milk and half the sugar, stirring to a gentle simmer.
   2. Whisk egg yolks, the rest of the sugar, and cornstarch until it whispers smoothness.
   3. Temper with hot milk, then return to the heat, whisking into a thickened state of bliss.
   4. Off the heat, welcome vanilla into the mix.
   5. Cover and chill, letting it thicken further in the fridge.
4. Chocolate Glaze Glamour:
   1. Simmer cream and pour it over chocolate chips, waiting a minute before stirring into a velvety smooth glaze.
   2. Patience here is key.
5. Éclair Ensemble:
   1. Slice each choux pastry shell into halves, introducing them to a generous amount of pastry cream.
   2. Reunite tops with bottoms and lavishly coat with your chocolate glaze.
6. Chill & Serve:
   1. Allow the assembled éclairs to set in the refrigerator for about 1 hour.
   2. Then, serve these chilled beauties, watching them disappear before your very eyes.

Enjoy these luxurious Chocolate Éclairs, a perfect blend of crispy, creamy, and chocolatey that’s sure to dazzle your taste buds!