Choux Pastry with Mom’s Famous Filling

Ingredients:

For the Base:

• 1 stick butter
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup flour
• 4 eggs

For Mom’s Famous Filling:

• 1 pint heavy cream
• 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding
• ⅓ cup milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the dough base:
   • In a medium saucepan, combine the butter and water over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the butter melts completely.
   • Once melted, remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
   • Gradually mix in the flour, and once fully incorporated, return the saucepan to the stove. Keep stirring over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until it thickens and becomes a dough-like consistency.
3. Add the eggs:
   • Add the eggs one at a time, stirring after each addition. The mixture should become smooth and glossy as the eggs are incorporated. This creates the thick dough base for the pastry.
4. Shape the dough:
   • Spoon the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, forming small mounds (about 1 tablespoon per mound). Space them at least 1 inch apart.
5. Bake the pastry:
   • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed up. Do not open the oven door while baking to ensure they puff up correctly.
   • Once baked, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
6. Prepare the filling:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, vanilla pudding mix, and milk. Use an electric mixer or whisk vigorously until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth. This will be your creamy, vanilla filling.
7. Assemble the dessert:
   • Once the pastries have cooled, slice each one in half horizontally.
   • Spoon or pipe the prepared vanilla filling into the bottom half of each pastry.
   • Place the top half of the pastry on top of the filling.
8. Optional garnish:
   • Dust the top with powdered sugar, or drizzle with chocolate sauce or caramel for added flavor.

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Serving Suggestions:

• Serve as a decadent dessert for any special occasion or a cozy treat for a weekend gathering.
• Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness of the filling.