Cream Puffs

I’m amazed at how many amazing recipes are out there that use eggs in them.  I love eggs.  My kids love eggs.  So it’s fun to look and see what else we can make using eggs.

My friend Renee helped me out with this delicious recipe.  A classic that still makes my mouth water every time I eat them.  
 

Cream Puffs 
Source: Betty Crocker

* 1 cup water
* 1/2 cup butter
* 1 cup all purpose flour
* 4 eggs

Heat oven to 400 degrees.

In a 2 1/2 quart saucepan, heat water and butter to a rolling boil.  Stir in four and reduce heat to low.  Vigorously stir over low heat about 1 minute or until mixture forms a ball.  Remove from heat.  Beat in eggs, all at once, and continue stirring until combined.

On ungreased cookie sheet, drop dough by slightly less that 1/4 cupfuls about 3 inches apart.   Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until puffed and golden.  Cool away from draft, about 30 minutes.

Make one of the fillings (listed below).  Cut top third of each puff off and remove any strands of dough.  Fill puffs with filling and replace top.  Cover and refrigerate until serving.  Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.

Egg Nog Fluff Filling
* 1 package vanilla instant pudding and pie filling
* 1 cup milk
* 1 tsp. rum extract
* 1 tsp. ground nutmeg
* 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
* 2 cups whipping cream
* powdered sugar

In a large bowl beat pudding mix, milk, rum extract, nutmeg and ginger with a hand mixer on low speed until combined.  Add whipping cream and beat on high speed for 1 to 2 minutes or until soft peaks form.

Peppermint Whipped Cream Filling
* 2 cups whipping cream
* 1/4 granulated or powdered sugar
* 1 tsp. peppermint extract
* food coloring (if desired)

In a large mixing bow, beat ingredients with electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form.

Coffee Whipped Cream Filling
* 2 cups whipping cream
* 1 1/2 tsp. instant coffee granules or crystals

In a large mixing bowl. beat ingredients with a hand mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form.

These can be served so many ways.  The picture above is with custard and fresh strawberries inside.  But you can also shake it up with some chocolate frosting or ganache on top.  Delicious for brunch or dessert =o)