Strawberry Cream Puffs: A delicious bite of delicate pastry and succulent toppings

Delight in the exquisite taste of these strawberry cream puffs, each filled with homemade strawberry jam and fluffy whipped cream. These light and airy pastries are a perfect treat for any dessert lover, combining the sweet, fruity burst of fresh strawberries with the rich, creamy texture of whipped cream coated in tender choux pastry.

Why you'll love it: These cream puffs offer a heavenly combination of textures and flavors that are sure to impress. Homemade strawberry jam provides a fresh, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the cream, while choux pastry adds a delicate crunch. Each component works together to create a sophisticated and satisfying dessert.

Perfect Occasion: Strawberry Cream Puffs are ideal for afternoon tea, special occasions like Mother's Day or Valentine's Day, and make an elegant addition to any brunch or holiday dessert table. They are also perfect for enjoying a moment of calm and indulgence all to yourself.

Decorating Tips: For a gorgeous, festive look, garnish each cream puff with a slice of fresh strawberry or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. You can also drizzle a little strawberry coulis on top for added style and flavor.

Ingredients:

• For the choux pastry:
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons of butter
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg

• For the strawberry jam:
  • 9 oz fresh strawberries, shelled and chopped
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • Juice of half a lemon
• For the filling:
  • Fresh strawberries, for decoration
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Start with the strawberry jam: In a saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes until thickened. Let cool.
2. For the choux pastry: In another saucepan, bring the water and butter to a boil. Add the flour all at once, stirring vigorously until you have a dough that pulls away from the sides. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Gradually add the egg to the dough, mixing continuously until you have a smooth, shiny dough.
4. Pour the choux pastry into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to form 4 puffs.
5. Bake at 392°F (200°C) for 25 minutes in a preheated oven. Avoid opening the oven while cooking to avoid collapse. Turn off the oven, open the door slightly and allow the choux to cool gradually.
6. Once cooled, cut each cabbage in half and fill the bottom with a teaspoon of cooled strawberry jam.
7. Whip the cream with the powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Spoon or pour whipped cream over the top half of each cabbage.
8. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices.

Enjoy these delicious Strawberry Cream Puffs, a luxurious treat that combines the joy of baking with the fresh flavors of strawberries and cream!