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MOM’S FAMOUS CREAM PUFFS

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Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs: A Decadent Delight

Introduction:
Mom’s famous cream puffs are a cherished family recipe that has delighted taste buds for generations. Unlike ordinary cream puffs, these delightful treats boast a secret filling that elevates them to a whole new level of decadence. With light, airy shells and a rich, creamy filling, they are sure to become a favorite in your household as well. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover the magic behind Mom’s famous cream puffs.

Ingredients:

  • 1 stick butter (8 Tablespoons)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

Mom’s Famous Filling:

  • 1 pint heavy cream
  • 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1/3 cup milk

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Puff Pastry:

  • In a saucepan, bring the butter, water, and vanilla extract to a boil.

2. Add Flour Mixture:

  • Add the flour to the boiling mixture and stir constantly until it forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pot. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

3. Incorporate Eggs:

  • Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

4. Form and Bake:

  • Drop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake at 400°F for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and puffed up. Allow them to cool completely.

5. Prepare the Filling:

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, instant vanilla pudding mix, and milk. Beat until thickened and creamy, resembling whipped cream.

6. Assemble the Cream Puffs:

  • Once the puff pastry shells have cooled, slice them in half horizontally. Pipe or spoon Mom’s famous filling onto the bottom halves of the shells.

7. Dust with Powdered Sugar:

  • Dust the filled cream puffs with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

  • Serve these decadent cream puffs to your family and friends and watch as they disappear within moments. Enjoy the heavenly combination of light, airy pastry and rich, creamy filling.

Tips:

  1. Make-Ahead Option:
  • You can prepare the puff pastry shells in advance and freeze them until ready to use. Simply thaw them at room temperature before filling.
  1. Storage:
  • Store any leftover cream puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Enjoy them chilled or bring them to room temperature before serving.
  1. Customization:
  • Experiment with different flavors of instant pudding mix for unique variations of Mom’s famous filling. Chocolate, butterscotch, or pistachio are delicious options to try.
  1. Presentation:
  • For an elegant presentation, drizzle chocolate ganache or caramel sauce over the filled cream puffs before serving. Sprinkle with chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
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Mom’s famous cream puffs are more than just a dessert—they’re a labor of love and a taste of nostalgia. Treat yourself and your loved ones to these indulgent delights and create lasting memories with every bite.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter for the puff pastry?
  • While unsalted butter is typically preferred in baking to control the salt content, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just be mindful of adjusting the amount of additional salt added to the recipe to avoid over-salting.
  1. What if I don’t have instant vanilla pudding mix?
  • If you don’t have instant vanilla pudding mix, you can substitute it with vanilla pastry cream or whipped cream stabilized with gelatin. Alternatively, you can use homemade custard or a flavored whipped cream filling for a delicious twist.
  1. Can I freeze the filled cream puffs?
  • It’s best to freeze the unfilled pastry shells and prepare the filling fresh when ready to serve. While you can freeze filled cream puffs, the texture of the filling may change slightly upon thawing.
  1. How long do cream puffs stay fresh?
  • Cream puffs are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are assembled to maintain their crispy pastry and creamy filling texture. However, if stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they can be kept for up to 2 days.
  1. Can I make mini cream puffs instead of full-sized ones?
  • Yes, you can certainly make mini cream puffs by piping smaller portions of the pastry dough onto the baking sheet. Adjust the baking time accordingly, as mini cream puffs will require less time to bake compared to full-sized ones.
  1. What if my cream puff shells deflate after baking?
  • If your cream puff shells deflate after baking, it could be due to underbaking or opening the oven door too soon during baking. Ensure that the cream puffs are baked until golden brown and firm to the touch, and avoid opening the oven door until they are fully baked.
  1. Can I use whipped topping instead of heavy cream for the filling?
  • While whipped topping can be used as a shortcut, the flavor and texture may not be as rich and creamy as using heavy cream. For the best results, it’s recommended to use heavy cream for a luscious filling that complements the delicate pastry shells perfectly.

These FAQs address common questions and concerns to help you successfully recreate Mom’s famous cream puffs with confidence. Enjoy the process of baking and indulging in these delightful treats with your loved ones!

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