Profiteroles Please!

Dear Chase:

The picture above is what we will be having for dessert tonight. It is a special occasion (my sister-in-laws Birthday) plus the family decided to have an informal dinner so I thought a decadent dessert would fit the bill. What is it you ask?  The above picture is that of a profiterole, a popular choux pastry. Choux paste is baked into small round puffs that are served cold with a sweet filling and sometimes a topping. A profiterole normally has a filling of whipped cream or pastry cream but in the US and France, ice cream or a whipped cream containing alcohol may be used as well. I like to add Amaretto to my cream filling as well as coffee ice cream in favor of vanilla. Both are super delicious but I find that coffee ice cream compliments the chocolate sauce so perfectly. I decided to make these on the fly last night as I was washing dishes and getting ready to call it a night. It is funny how last minute baking stunts turn out some of the best desserts. This recipe is very easy to make....probably one of the easiest desserts I've ever made. Follow the recipe, add your own fillings and enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 c. All Purpose Flour
1 1/4 c. Whole Milk
1/2 c. Butter, melted
1/4 tsp. Sea Salt
4 Eggs
(Vanilla Ice Cream, Roasted Almonds, Chocolate Sauce)

Directions:

In a medium saucepan, melt together butter, milk and salt. Bring to a simmer but not to a boil and add the flour (sifted). Stirring constantly until the flour and milk mixture form a dough. Continue to stir for 2 minutes on low heat until the dough is well mixed and coats the bottom of the pan. Proceed to place the hot dough in the food processor and mix in (4) large eggs until combined. Do not over mix. You should get a thick paste-like dough. Scoop dough into pastry bag with tip of choice and form 1.5 inch circles to your desired shape. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 18-20mins. Be sure to turn the tray after 15 mins to prevent the puffs from burning.

Once the puffs are done, allow to cool for 20 mins. Cut in half, place filling or ice cream in the center and fold over the top. Drizzle with chocolate sauce and almonds.