Decadent French Éclairs with Chocolate Glaze

Ingredients

Instructions

1. 1 Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2 In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. 3 Remove from heat and add sifted flour all at once. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a ball.
4. 4 Allow the dough to cool slightly, then add beaten eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until smooth.
5. 5 Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip and pipe 4-inch long strips onto the prepared baking sheet.
6. 6 Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool completely.
7. 7 For the pastry cream, heat milk and vanilla in a saucepan until just simmering. In a bowl, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks.
8. 8 Slowly add hot milk to the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat until thickened.
9. 9 Remove from heat and stir in butter. Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface and chill until set.
10. 10 For the glaze, heat cream in a small saucepan until simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
11. 11 To assemble, slice éclairs in half and fill with pastry cream. Dip tops in chocolate glaze and allow to set before serving.