Profiteroles

Ingredients

 250ml (1 cup) water

 80g butter, at room temperature, chopped

 150g (1 cup) plain flour, sifted

 3 eggs, at room temperature, lightly whisked

Creme patissiere

 435ml (1 3/4 cups) milk

 1 vanilla bean, split lengthways, seeds separated

 3 egg yolks

 70g (1/3 cup) caster sugar

 50g (1/3 cup) plain flour, sifted

 

Method 

Step 1

Place the water and butter in a saucepan. Bring just to the boil. Remove from heat and use a wooden spoon to beat in flour until combined.

Step 2

Cook, stirring, over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until the mixture forms a ball and comes away from side of pan. Set aside for 5 minutes to cool.

Step 3

Gradually add egg, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition, until the dough is thick and glossy.

Step 4

Preheat oven to 200°C. Line 2 baking trays with non-stick baking paper. Place heaped dessertspoonfuls of dough, about 3cm apart, on trays.

Step 5

Use wet hands to pat down any peaks of dough. Sprinkle trays with water to create steam. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until puffed and golden.

Step 6

Turn off oven. Use a knife to pierce the base of each profiterole. Place profiteroles in oven for 20 minutes to dry out. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Step 7

For the creme patissiere, warm milk and the vanilla seeds in a saucepan. Whisk yolks and sugar in a bowl until thick. Whisk in flour, then milk mixture.

Step 8

Return to pan and cook, whisking, over low heat for 5 minutes or until mixture thickens. Cover surface with plastic wrap. Place in the fridge to chill.

Step 9

Spoon creme patissiere in a piping bag fitted with a 5mm nozzle. Push nozzle into the base of each profiterole and fill with creme patissiere and drizzle chocolate or caramel icing on top! Enjoy!