🍰 Classic Éclairs Recipe 🍫

Ingredients:

• For the Choux Pastry:
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water 💧
  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter 🧈
  • 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour 🌾
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt 🧂
  • 4 large eggs 🥚
• For the Chocolate Ganache:
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream 🥄
  • 8 oz (225 g) semisweet chocolate, chopped 🍫
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 🧈
• For the Filling (Optional):
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream 🥄
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar 🍬
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌟

Instructions:

Prepare the Choux Pastry:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 🏠
2. In a saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil. 🧈💧
3. Remove from heat and stir in flour and salt until the mixture forms a smooth dough. 🌾
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy. 🥚
5. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe 4-inch (10 cm) lines onto the prepared baking sheet. ✏️
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Let cool completely. 🍞

Make the Chocolate Ganache:

1. Heat the cream in a saucepan until it begins to simmer. 🥄
2. Pour over the chopped chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes. 🍫
3. Stir until smooth and add butter. Mix until combined. 🧈

Prepare the Filling (Optional):

1. Whip the cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. 🥄
2. Fill the cooled éclairs with the whipped cream using a piping bag. 🎂

Assemble the Éclairs:

1. Dip the top of each éclair into the chocolate ganache, letting the excess drip off. 🍫
2. Place back on the baking sheet and let the ganache set. 🍴

Serve and Enjoy:

1. Your classic éclairs are ready to be enjoyed! Serve with a cup of coffee or tea. ☕️

Feel free to adjust the recipe to your taste or add any personal touches! 😊