What's more fun than making your own dessert that's both delicious and simple on the weekend? Today, we're going to talk about the lightning puffs. This small snack is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and the light taste is intoxicating, as if every bite is enjoying the softness of the clouds. And its production process is not only simple and fast, but also can add a touch of warm atmosphere to your kitchen.
The reason for the naming of the lightning puffs
Want to know what the name "Éclair" has in particular? There are two popular theories.
Myth 1: Delicious as flying, eat fast
The first theory is that the lightning puffs are called because they are so delicious. Many people, after tasting it, often can't help but take one bite after another, and disappear into the plate like lightning. It's so delicious that you can't stop eating it as quickly as if you were struck by lightning.
Claim 2: The appearance is shining, translucent like dazzling lightning
The second theory is that the appearance of the lightning puffs is crystal clear, and the surface is smooth, like lightning. This shape makes the puffs not only enjoyable on the palate, but also visually stunning. Whether it's a party or a family dinner, it always becomes the star of the table.
Preparation of materials
The materials required to make lightning puffs are actually not complicated, and they are mainly divided into puff batter materials and filling materials.
Puff batter ingredients:
- Plain flour: 40 grams
- Cornstarch: 20 grams
- Butter: 40 grams
- Water: 100 grams
- Salt: a pinch of salt
- Eggs: 2 pcs
- Sugar: 5 grams
Filling Material:
- Cream: 100ml
- Sugar: 5 grams
A simple combination of ingredients, but rich in taste and flavor, let's feel it together!
Steps:
Next, let's move on to the detailed steps of making a lightning puff. Get ready and follow me step by step, and in just a few minutes, you'll be able to taste your own desserts.
1. Boil the batter
First, we put the butter, water, salt, and sugar in a saucepan over low heat to bring them to a boil. When the liquid is well mixed, turn off the heat so that the heat in the pot is still sufficient, and our next step is to proceed quickly.
2. Sift in the powder
Then, pour the sifted plain flour and cornstarch into the pan together, this step requires a certain amount of patience, stirring as you pour, until the flour and liquid are completely combined to form a homogeneous paste-like substance.
3. Stir over low heat
Then, turn on the low heat and continue stirring, paying attention to whether a film has formed at the bottom of the pot. When a thin film appears at the bottom of the pan, it means that we have successfully completed the basic process of batter.
4. Add the eggs
Now it's time to add eggs. Crack the eggs in portions, stirring carefully after each addition to make sure the egg mixture is completely incorporated into the batter. The process can be a little tedious, but with patience, the final product is definitely worth the wait.
5. Adjust the batter humidity
The humidity of the batter is adjusted to an inverted triangle, that is, a small piece of batter is picked up with your fingers to show a state similar to an inverted triangle, indicating that the batter has reached the desired level.
6. Piping
Prepare a piping bag and fill the batter into it. Squeeze out long strips of green stock on baking paper, keeping the spacing and making sure each puff has enough room to expand.
7. Preheat the oven
Preheat the oven to 220°C, we need to bake in several stages: first bake at 200°C for 8 minutes, then turn it to 180°C for 18 minutes, and finally turn off the oven and simmer for 5 minutes to allow the puffs to set naturally.
8. Prepare the filling
When the puffs have cooled a little, fill them with whipped cream and gently fill the puffs with cream until they are full, so that the lightning puffs are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Precautions
There are a few tips to help you avoid common problems during the production process:
- Don't open the oven: While baking the puffs, be sure to avoid opening the oven door to avoid causing the puffs to collapse. Maintaining a stable temperature is key.
- Simmer for a few minutes before removing: Don't rush to remove the puffs after baking, but simmer them in the oven for a few minutes before taking them out, which will prevent the puffs from retracting during cooling.
Conclusion
Through the above introduction, I believe you have a comprehensive understanding of the lightning puffs. It's not just a simple dessert, it's a happy time to share with friends and family. In this fast-paced life, taking a moment to make such a meal and experiencing the joy of creating is not only a treat to your taste buds, but also a small celebration of life.
Try it this weekend, make your own lightning puffs, and use the sweetness and warmth it brings to add a touch of color to your life!