Choux Pastry

Ingredients:

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

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the flour and salt.
3. Add the butter and water to the pan and place over medium heat.
4. Stir the mixture until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a rolling boil.
5. Reduce the heat to low and continue stirring for another 2-3 minutes as the mixture forms a paste and pulls away from the sides of the saucepan.
6. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for a couple of minutes before adding the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
7. The dough should be glossy and thick at this point, not too runny and not too stiff.
8. Using a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving around 1 inch of space between each pastry.
9. Bake the choux pastry for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool before filling with your desired filling, such as whipped cream, custard, or savory fillings like chicken salad or cheese spread.

Verdict:

Choux pastry is one of the most versatile pastries you can make, with a light and crisp texture and an airy interior that’s perfect for both savory and sweet fillings. This recipe is easy to follow and produces delicious results every time.

Serving Suggestions:

• For a sweet treat, fill your choux pastries with whipped cream, pastry cream, or even Nutella, and dust with powdered sugar.
• For a savory option, fill them with chicken salad, tuna salad, cheese spread, or salmon mousse and enjoy them as an appetizer or snack.
• For a gourmet touch, serve filled choux pastry alongside a drizzle of honey, a dollop of crème fraîche, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or chives.