Ingredients
For the Pastry:
∎ 1 cup water
∎ 1/2 cup unsalted butter
∎ 1 cup all-purpose flour
∎ 1/4 teaspoon salt
∎ 4 large eggs
For the Filling:
∎ 1 cup heavy cream
∎ 1/4 cup powdered sugar
∎ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
∎ 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
For the Glaze (optional):
∎ 1/2 cup powdered sugar
∎ 2-3 tablespoons milk
∎ Fresh berries for garnish
Instructions
1. Make the Pastry:
∎ Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
∎ In a saucepan, combine water and butter. Bring to a boil.
∎ Remove from heat and stir in the flour and salt until a dough forms. Let it cool for a few minutes.
∎ Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until smooth.
2. Pipe the Pastry Balls:
∎ Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a piping bag or a spoon to drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
∎ Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and puffed. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let them cool inside for about 10 minutes to prevent collapse.
3. Make the Cream Filling:
∎ In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
4. Fill the Pastry Balls:
∎ Once the pastry balls have cooled completely, use a small knife to make a hole in the bottom of each. Pipe or spoon in the whipped cream and add a few mixed berries.
5. Make the Glaze (Optional):
∎ In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the filled pastry balls.
6. Serve:
∎ Garnish with additional fresh berries and serve immediately.
Tips
∎ You can customize the filling with your favorite berries or even add a bit of lemon zest for extra flavor.
∎ These pastry balls are best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for a short time.
Enjoy your delicious cream and berry-filled pastry balls! Let me know if you have any questions or need more ideas!