PREP TIME: 20 MINS
COOK TIME: 25-30 MINS
SERVES: 30 MINI PUFFS

INGREDIENTS:

• 55 grams Devondale Unsalted Butter
• 1 cup water
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup flour
• 3 beaten eggs
• 250ml Devondale All Rounder Thickened Cream
• 50g dark chocolate, melted
• Icing sugar

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200ºC or 180ºC for fan-forced.
2. Prepare Choux Pastry: In a medium saucepan, bring the unsalted butter, water, and a pinch of salt to a boil.
3. Add Flour: Add the flour to the boiling mixture and cook over gentle heat, while mixing delicately, until the mixture forms a single lump. Remove the mixture from heat and allow it to cool for approximately 5 minutes.
4. Add Beaten Eggs: Gradually add the well-beaten eggs to the mixture, a little at a time, until combined and the mixture has a glossy texture.
5. Pipe and Bake: Pipe tablespoons of the choux pastry mixture onto a lined baking tray. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
6. Reduce Heat and Continue Baking: Reduce the oven heat to moderate and continue baking the puffs for a further 20 minutes. Remember not to open the oven during the cooking process, as this can affect the puff’s rise.
7. Whip Cream: Whip the Devondale All Rounder Thickened Cream until it’s thickened and has a smooth texture.
8. Assemble: Sandwich the baked choux pastry puffs with the whipped cream.
9. Add Chocolate or Icing Sugar: Drizzle the assembled puffs with melted dark chocolate for a decadent touch or dust them with icing sugar for a sweet finish.

These mini choux pastry puffs make for a delightful treat, perfect for a special occasion or a delightful afternoon tea. Enjoy the crispy pastry and creamy filling!

Here are a few variations you can try with the basic choux pastry puff recipe:

1. Creamy Filling Variations:
   • Fruit Varieties: Instead of plain whipped cream, try filling the puffs with a mixture of fresh fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, mixed with a bit of sweetened whipped cream or custard.
   • Chocolate Cream: Mix cocoa powder or melted chocolate into the whipped cream for a rich and chocolatey filling.
   • Fruit Curd: Fill the puffs with lemon, passionfruit, or other fruit curds for a tangy and flavorful twist.
2. Toppings and Garnishes:
   • Caramel Drizzle: Instead of chocolate, drizzle the puffs with homemade caramel sauce.
   • Powdered Sugar: Dust the filled puffs with powdered sugar for a classic and elegant finish.
   • Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle chopped toasted nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, on top of the cream for added crunch and flavor.
3. Flavor Infusions:
   • Spiced Puffs: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the choux pastry for a warm and spiced flavor.
   • Citrus Zest: Mix finely grated lemon or orange zest into the choux pastry for a refreshing citrus aroma.
   • Herb-Infused Cream: Infuse the whipped cream with fresh herbs like mint, basil, or lavender for a unique and aromatic filling.
4. Dipping Sauces:
   • Chocolate Ganache: Serve the filled puffs with a bowl of rich and smooth chocolate ganache for dipping.
   • Fruit Coulis: Prepare a fruit coulis (pureed fruit with a bit of sugar) like raspberry or mango and serve it as a dipping sauce for the puffs.
   • Salted Caramel: Provide a bowl of salted caramel sauce for dipping, creating a sweet-savory contrast.