Description
Nightly Dinner Ideas Need simple, hearty dinners that please a crowd? Try these easy recipes for 3+ people perfect for busy weeknights! From creamy mac & cheese (with epic toppings!) to smoked sausage bakes, cheesy ranch potatoes, and one-pan chicken & rice casseroles, these meals are fast, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. Great for family dinners, summer cookouts, or meal prep no fuss, just delicious comfort food!
Golden and Flaky Cream Puffs with Vanilla Custard Filling
Ingredients
For the Pastry (Choux Pastry):
1/2 cup (120 ml) water
1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
For the Filling (Vanilla Custard Cream):
2 cups (500 ml) whole milk
1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
1/4 cup (30 g) cornstarch
4 large egg yolks
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, whipped (optional, for lighter filling)
Instructions
Make the Pastry:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium saucepan, combine water, milk, butter, and salt. Heat over medium heat until the butter melts and the mixture begins to boil.
Remove from heat and immediately stir in the flour until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Let the dough cool slightly (about 5 minutes), then beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough should be smooth and glossy.
Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the puffs are golden brown and crisp. Cool completely on a wire rack.
Prepare the Custard Filling:
In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to steam.
In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until smooth.
Gradually add the hot milk to the egg mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Return the mixture to the saucepan.
Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and butter until smooth. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and chill until completely cool.
For a lighter filling, fold in whipped cream before using.
Assemble the Cream Puffs:
Cut the cooled puffs in half or make a small slit on the side.
Fill a piping bag with the custard cream and pipe it into the center of each puff.
Dust the tops with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra touch.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Servings: 12 puffs
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