Sunday, August 31, 2008

August's Daring Bakers Challenge - Chocolate Eclairs

I really procrastinated on this one, literally waiting till this afternoon, but I'm excited to say I successfully completed my 2nd Daring Baker's Challenge!

The challenge this month was hosted by MeetaK and Tony Tahhan. They had decided on Chocolate Eclairs taken from a recipe by Pierre Herme from a cookbook written by Dorie Greenspan: Chocolate Desserts by Pierre Herme.


Again, these were all new things for me to try, from the Pâte à Choux or what's also known as the Cream Puff Pastry dough, the pastry cream filling and the chocolate glaze on top.


They took a bit more time than I expected to make all the components, but once I assembled it all together we couldn't take the pictures fast enough before devouring the bunch! Thankfully I had decided to only make half the recipe since I knew that leaving 20-24 eclairs alone with Jason and I would not be a good idea especially over a three day weekend.

But even then, I ended up with 11 eclairs that I baked more in the shape of cream puffs, cause I thought they were much cuter than the traditionally shaped eclair. We were allowed to modify the recipe a bit, so instead of going with the chocolate pastry cream, I made mine a white chocolate pastry cream and then kept the rest as the recipe directs, except for adding a tad bit of powdered sugar and whipped cream on top of the chocolate glaze for decoration.

To say these were yummy, is an understatement!!!! They were... STUPID yummy!


For instructions on how to make this recipe, you can go click here.


8 comments:

T’s Treats said...

They look great!! I usually make mine in the form of Cream puffs so went with the traditional. Congrats on a great 2nd challenge!!

Anonymous said...

The eclairs (puffs) look great. Love the photos! Wonderful job!

Rachel Sarah said...

Dang! I wish I was your next door neighbor... for the baked goods AND for the company. :>)

Shandy said...

Fun photos! Your little eclairs are very cute =D and definitely delicious looking.

Camille said...

Such a cute cake stand! And I love the new header, too. I really need to get going on mine...It's just that I'm so bad at anything crafty. I want it to be good. Anyway, good job!

Lisa said...

REALLY cute pics, and pretty eclairs! My guy is named Jason too, but his baseball cap has an interlocking NY on it..LOL

Katrina Hope said...

I want one... :)

silverrock said...

Hmmm... still trying to figure out how yummy is "stupid yummy". Looks like your eclairs were loved by all. Way to go on this month's challenge :)