Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs

Introduction

Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are a delightful treat that has been a family favorite for generations. These light, airy pastries are filled with a rich and creamy vanilla filling, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether served at birthdays, holidays, or just as a special dessert, these cream puffs are sure to impress everyone with their delicious taste and beautiful presentation.

History

Cream puffs, known as choux à la crème in French, have a rich history dating back to the 16th century. They originated in France, where the dough was first created by Chef Pantarelli. The technique of making cream puffs quickly spread across Europe and eventually to America, where many home cooks, like Mom, adapted the recipe to their taste. This particular recipe has been passed down in our family, treasured for its simplicity and indulgent flavor.

Ingredients

For the Cream Puff Shells:

• 1 stick of butter
• 1/2 cup of water
• 1.25 teaspoons of vanilla extract
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs

For Mom’s Famous Filling:

• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 container (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 cup of milk

Instructions

For the Cream Puff Shells:

1. Prepare the Dough:

   In a saucepan, combine the butter, water, and vanilla extract. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.

   Once boiling, add the flour all at once, stirring vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.

2. Add Eggs:

   Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the dough to cool slightly.

   Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the mixture is smooth and glossy.

3. Bake:

   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

   Use a spoon or pastry bag to pipe or scoop the dough onto the prepared sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

   Bake for about 40 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed up.

4. Cool:

   Once baked, remove from the oven and use a toothpick to puncture each puff to allow steam to escape.

   Return them to the oven with the door cracked open for 10-15 minutes to cool and prevent deflating.

For the Filling:

1. Make the Filling:

   In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.

   In another bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until thickened.

   Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until well combined.

2. Assemble the Cream Puffs:

   Once the cream puffs are completely cooled, slice them in half horizontally.

   Fill the bottom half with the creamy filling and replace the top half.

3. Garnish (Optional):

   Drizzle with melted chocolate or dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Benefits

Cream puffs can be a delightful dessert that provides a moment of joy. While they should be enjoyed in moderation, the ingredients include heavy cream, which is a source of calcium and fat-soluble vitamins, and the filling can be made lighter by using less sugar or a sugar substitute.

Nutritional Information (per cream puff, approx.):

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Sugar: 4g
• Fiber: 0g

Conclusion

Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are not just a dessert; they are a symbol of love and tradition in our family. The combination of crispy shells and creamy filling creates a delightful contrast that is hard to resist. Whether you’re enjoying them at a special celebration or as a sweet treat at home, these cream puffs are sure to bring smiles to all who indulge. So gather your loved ones, share this recipe, and enjoy the deliciousness together!