Chocolate Éclair Recipe

Preparation

1. 1

   Make the Pastry Dough

   In a saucepan, combine water and butter. Bring to a boil. Stir in flour and salt until the mixture forms a ball. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until smooth. Pipe onto a baking sheet in 4-inch long strips.

2. 2

   Bake the Pastry

   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the pastry for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool completely.

3. 3

   Make the Pastry Cream Filling

   In a saucepan, heat milk until just boiling. In a bowl, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks. Slowly add hot milk to the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Return to saucepan, cook over medium heat until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and butter. Cool completely.

4. 4

   Fill the Pastry

   Once the pastry is cool, use a knife to cut a slit in the side. Fill with pastry cream using a piping bag.

5. 5

   Make the Chocolate Icing

   In a small saucepan, heat chocolate chips and cream over low heat until melted and smooth.

6. 6

   Assemble the Éclairs

   Dip the top of each filled éclair in the chocolate icing and allow to set on a wire rack.