Assorted eclairs

Delicious Eclairs with Vanilla and Hazelnuts, and with Chocolate, Roasted Nuts and Orange Zest

*Since ancient times, eclairs have become a cherished delicacy at festive meals, bringing joy and flavor. These small sweet jewels, with a light texture and various fillings, are perfect for serving to carolers or enjoying with loved ones during holiday celebrations. Therefore, let’s discover together how to prepare these assorted eclairs that combine delicate flavors and crunchy textures!*

Preparation Time
- Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 45 minutes
- Number of servings: 12-15 eclairs

Ingredients

For the eclairs:
- 600 ml water
- 300 ml oil
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- About 380 g flour
- 5 large eggs (3 yolks and 5 whites)

For the vanilla and hazelnut cream:
- 2 yolks
- 600 ml milk
- 3 tablespoons (heaping) flour
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon Bourbon vanilla sugar
- 100 g butter
- Roasted and ground hazelnuts (to taste)

For the chocolate, nut, and orange cream:
- Remaining vanilla cream
- Dark chocolate (a few squares)
- Roasted and ground nuts (a handful)
- Grated orange zest (to taste)

For the glaze:
- Dark chocolate
- Milk couverture
- Optional: milk
- Sugar flakes and pearls for decoration

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the eclairs
1. In a large saucepan, add water, oil, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. When the mixture starts to boil, remove from heat and add the flour mixed with baking powder.
3. Stir vigorously with a spatula or wooden spoon until the mixture is homogeneous and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
4. Let it cool for about 30 minutes.
5. After it has cooled, add the 5 egg whites and the 3 yolks, mixing continuously until you obtain a uniform mixture.
6. Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat).
7. Using a teaspoon or piping bag, form small portions of dough on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Slightly moisten the surface with water to prevent the eclairs from burning.
8. Bake on low heat for 15 minutes, then remove the tray, gently poke the eclairs to allow steam to escape, and bake for another 10 minutes on medium heat until golden and crispy.

Step 2: Preparing the creams
1. Vanilla cream: In a saucepan, mix the 2 yolks with sugar, vanilla sugar, milk, and flour. Place over low heat, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
2. When the mixture starts to thicken, continue stirring vigorously for one minute, then remove from heat and add the butter, mixing well.
3. Divide the cream into two bowls. In one, add the roasted and ground hazelnuts. In the other, add the dark chocolate, roasted nuts, and orange zest, mixing until homogeneous.

Step 3: Filling the eclairs
1. Once the eclairs have completely cooled, make a small hole on one side to fill them with the desired cream.
2. Use a piping bag or teaspoon to fill the eclairs with the vanilla and hazelnut cream or the chocolate and nut cream.

Step 4: Glazing the eclairs
1. For the glaze, melt the dark chocolate and milk couverture either in a double boiler or in a small bowl over a candle, stirring constantly to achieve a creamy consistency.
2. Dip the tips of the eclairs in the glaze, then decorate with sugar flakes and pearls.

Practical Tips
- For perfect texture: Ensure the eclair dough is well mixed and free of lumps. Poking the eclairs is essential for achieving a light consistency.
- Hazelnuts: If you want a more intense flavor, roast the hazelnuts in the oven, sprinkling a little sugar to caramelize them.
- Flavor variation: You can add almond or rum extracts to diversify the flavors of the creams.

Nutritional Information
Each filled eclair contains approximately 200-250 calories, depending on the filling and glaze. Eclairs are a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, especially due to ingredients like eggs, hazelnuts, and nuts.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different flour? It is recommended to use white flour to achieve optimal eclair texture. Whole wheat flour may alter the consistency.
- What can I do with the leftover egg whites? You can make meringue or other desserts that require egg whites, such as soufflés or macaroons.
- How can I store the eclairs? It is best to consume them fresh, but you can keep them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 1-2 days.

Serving and Pairing
Eclairs are wonderful served alongside a cup of coffee or aromatic tea, but they can also be paired with a sweet wine or champagne on special occasions. These sweet delights will surely bring a smile to the faces of those who taste them.

Enjoy making these assorted eclairs, which are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a visual feast! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: For eclairs: two cups of water (approx. 600 ml in total), one cup of oil (approx. 300 ml), 1 teaspoon of baking powder, a pinch of salt, a large bowl of flour (approx. 380 g), 5 large eggs, using 3 yolks and 5 whites. For the cream: the 2 remaining yolks, 600 ml of milk, 3 heaping tablespoons of flour, 4 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of Bourbon vanilla sugar, butter to taste (I use about 100 g), a few roasted and ground hazelnuts. Additionally: a few squares of dark chocolate, orange zest, a handful of chopped walnuts (for the chocolate cream). For the glaze: dark chocolate, milk couverture, optionally: milk, sugar flakes, and pearls.

 Tags:  assorted eclairs eclair assorted cookies choux éclairs éclairs goodies for carolers