Thai Tea Cream Puffs

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter (8 tablespoons)
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 cup Thai tea pastry cream (homemade or infused with Thai tea leaves)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. 2

   In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, and salt. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.

3. 3

   Once boiling, add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the flour is fully incorporated and the dough forms a ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan.

4. 4

   Remove the pan from the heat and let the dough cool for a few minutes. This prevents the eggs from scrambling when added.

5. 5

   Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition until the dough is smooth, shiny, and reaches a pipeable consistency.

6. 6

   Transfer the choux pastry dough into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip.

7. 7

   Pipe the dough into circles (for puffs) or lines (for eclairs) onto the prepared baking sheet.

8. 8

   Dampen a finger with water and gently tap down any pointy tops or 'tails' on the piped dough to ensure even browning.

9. 9

   Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 20-25 minutes until golden brown and firm.

10. 10

    Optional: Remove from the oven and poke a small hole in the side of each puff with a toothpick or small knife to let steam escape. Return to the oven for 5 minutes to crisp up the insides.

11. 11

    Allow the shells to cool completely on a wire rack before filling.

12. 12

    Using a piping bag, fill each puff through the side hole with the Thai tea pastry cream until heavy and full.

Notes

To make Thai tea pastry cream, infuse your milk with Thai tea leaves before making a standard pastry cream recipe. Ensure the shells are completely cool before filling to prevent the cream from melting.

Nutrition per serving

• dessert
• baking
• pastry
• Thai tea
• French cuisine
• cream puffs
• eclairs