Double Chocolate Cream Puffs

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Pastry Shells:

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1/2 cup dark chocolate, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup white chocolate, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (divided)

For the Whipped Cream Filling:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Calories (approximate): (Note: Caloric values may vary based on specific ingredients and quantities used)

Preparation Steps:

For the Chocolate Pastry Shells:

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: In a saucepan, combine water and butter. Bring to a boil.

Step 3: In a bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.

Step 4: Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly add the sifted dry ingredients. Stir until a smooth dough forms.

Step 5: Return the saucepan to low heat and cook the dough, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to slightly dry it out.

Step 6: Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for a few minutes.

Step 7: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth.

Step 8: Spoon or pipe the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, forming mounds for the cream puffs.

Step 9: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry shells are puffed and golden. Allow them to cool completely.

For the Chocolate Ganache:

Step 1: In separate bowls, place finely chopped dark chocolate and white chocolate.

Step 2: Heat half of the heavy cream until it simmers, and pour it over the dark chocolate. Let it sit for a minute before stirring until smooth.

Step 3: Repeat the process with the remaining cream and white chocolate.

For the Whipped Cream Filling:

Step 1: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

For Assembly:

Step 1: Cut the pastry shells in half horizontally.

Step 2: Fill the bottom halves with whipped cream.

Step 3: Place the top halves back on.

Step 4: Drizzle both dark and white chocolate ganache over the cream puffs.

Step 5: Optionally, garnish with grated chocolate or sprinkles.

Step 6: Chill the Double Chocolate Cream Puffs for about 30 minutes before serving.

Step 7: Serve and savor the heavenly combination of chocolate and cream in each bite!

These Double Chocolate Cream Puffs are a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth, combining the richness of dark and white chocolate with the lightness of cream puffs. Perfect for indulging in a sweet treat or impressing guests at special occasions.