Chocolate Eclairs

Hey Everyone!! Long time no see! Technically it's only been seven days, but to me, that is like an eternity not to post, or cook for that matter. The last week has been super busy for me though. Amongst other things, my hubby decided to take off a week for some R&R, my daughter got sick, and I found the most amazing book ever! So I've been a bit preoccupied entertaining my husband, taking care of the sicky, and to be honest, spending way to much time reading.

If anyone is interested in a good read, the book I am so addicted to is called "City of Bones" by Cassandra Clare. It's not a romance novel, so don't be deceived by the cover. You'll find it in the teen section, and seriously, this is the best book I've read since Twilight!! Maybe even better because you don't have to put up with that stupid whiny Bella character. No this girl, Clary, actually has independent thought and she is witty and sarcastic and of course you got your love story mixed in with a bunch of action. Love it!! Finish the first book in 4 days and am on to the second. Trust me, you won't be able to put it down.

Ok, enough about my week, onto the Chocolate Eclairs!! Yummy!! Thanks to everyone for voting, first of all!! I was super shocked that out of the four desserts this one won out. I was thinking the Toffee Oatmeal Bars totally had it in the bag, but this was a fun surprise {although I will still be posting that recipe soon, cause they are just to tempting to pass up}. I was a little apprehensive cause when I think pastries the word complicated comes to mind, and come to find out, I suck at making bread, but these were actually so simple!! You are making a pastry, filling, and frosting, so it is a good amount of prep and time, but so worth is. Also, make sure when you are spacing out your pastry dough on the cooking sheet to space them about 2 to 3 inches apart. They puff up a good amount and need space to do so. Over all though, my favorite part was the light vanilla pudding center. Ugh! I could inhale that stuff. Then add the pastry and the chocolate frosting and this dessert is heavenly. Super fun and delicious, at the same time feeling like a little slice of Paris right in your kitchen! Gotta love it :) Enjoy!!

Pastry

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup butter, cubed
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 eggs

Filling

• 2 1/2 cups cold milk
• 1 package (5.1 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting

• 2 squares (1 ounce each) semisweet chocolate, or 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
• 2 to 3 tablespoons hot water

In a large saucepan, bring water, butter and salt to a boil. Add flour all at once and stir until a smooth ball forms. Remove from the heat; let stand for 5 minutes.

Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue beating until mixture is smooth and shiny.

Using a tablespoon or a pastry tube with a No. 10 or larger tip, form dough into 4-in. x 1 1/2 in. strips on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until puffed and golden. Remove to a wire rack. Immediately split eclairs open; remove tops and set aside. Discard soft dough from inside. Cool eclairs.

In a large bowl, whisk milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes. In another bowl, whip cream until soft peaks form. Beat in sugar and vanilla; fold into pudding. Split eclair; remove soft dough from inside. Fill eclairs (chill any remaining filling for another use).

For frosting, in a microwave, melt chocolate and butter; stir until smooth. Stir in sugar and enough hot water to achieve a smooth consistency. Cool slightly. Frost eclairs. Store in refrigerator.

Yields: 9 servings.

Printable Recipe

Recipe from Taste of Home Baking Classics