Cabbage soup

Instructions:

Making the Choux Pastry:

1. In a saucepan, bring the water and butter to a boil over medium-high heat. Add a pinch of salt.
2. Reduce the heat to low and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
3. Remove the pan from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, stirring well after each addition. The dough should become glossy and smooth.
5. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
6. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a pastry bag or a Ziploc bag with a corner snipped off, pipe the dough into 4-inch long strips, leaving space between each.
7. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the eclairs are puffed up and golden brown.
8. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Preparing the cream filling:

1. In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
2. Slice each eclair in half lengthwise.
3. Pipe or spoon the whipped cream into the bottom half of each eclair.
4. Replace the top halves.

Making the Chocolate Glaze:

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate, heavy cream, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
2. Stir in the powdered sugar and a pinch of salt until the glaze is glossy and well combined.
3. Dip the top of each eclair into the chocolate glaze, allowing any excess to drip off.
4. Place the glazed eclairs on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set the chocolate.

Tips for Success:

• Ensure the choux pastry dough is smooth and free of lumps before adding the eggs.
• Be patient while baking the pastry. Don’t rush the process; it’s the key to achieving that perfect eclair texture.
• Feel free to get creative with the filling. You can add a touch of espresso to the cream or fold in some crushed raspberries for a fruity twist.

Variation: Chocolate Hazelnut Eclairs

Before piping in the cream, stuff the eclairs with a layer of chocolate hazelnut spread for a delicious twist. For an added crunch, you may also add some chopped toasted hazelnuts to the chocolate glaze.

Chocolate eclairs are a remarkable treat that truly shines in the world of sweets. This recipe is simple enough for any home baker to follow, even if it looks complicated at first. The benefit? Your relatives and friends will be amazed at your cooking skills after tasting a dish of these exquisite, mouthwatering treats. Now gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and fill your kitchen with the delightful scent of freshly produced chocolate eclairs. It’s a gastronomic trip worth relishing, I assure you. Enjoy!