This recipe is courtesy Chef Dee Lavigne of the Southern Food and Beverage Museum and Deelightful Desserts.
Ingredients:
6 Tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup milk
1/2 tsp salt
4 large eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Bring water and milk to a boil in a saucepan. Once boiling add the salt and butter. Mix until melted and add the flour. On medium high heat mix with a wooden spoon until mixture cooks, forms a ball and pulls away from the pan.
Remove from the heat and add to the mixing bowl of an electric mixer. With the paddle attachment, mix on a medium speed for about 3 minutes to cool the mixture down.
Once the mixture is cool, add the eggs one at a time until they are well mixed into the dough. You can now drop small, medium or large spoonfuls on to a greased baking pan or a parchment lined baking pan. Or pipe them on by using a pastry bag. If you do get peaks, wet finger tips lightly with water and smooth them out.
Bake at 425˚F for 10 minutes in the center of the oven. Without opening oven, reduce temp to 325˚F and, bake 20-22 min longer or until golden brown on top.
Note: You can fill your cream puffs with fresh whipped cream and fruit or you can fill them with a savory filing of your choice.
This recipe can also be used to make eclairs.