Mendl's Courtesan au Chocolat

Step by step

Instructions

1. 1

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

2. 2

   For the choux pastry: In a medium saucepan, combine butter, water, sugar, and salt. Bring to a rolling boil over medium heat.

3. 3

   Remove from heat and immediately add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.

4. 4

   Return to low heat and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to dry out the dough.

5. 5

   Transfer the dough to a stand mixer with the paddle attachment (or use a hand mixer). Beat on medium speed for 1-2 minutes to cool slightly.

6. 6

   Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated and the dough is smooth and glossy.

7. 7

   Transfer the choux pastry to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe small rounds (about 1.5 inches in diameter) onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them.

8. 8

   Bake for 20 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Turn off the oven, prop the door open slightly, and let them cool for 15 minutes to prevent deflating. Cool completely on a wire rack.

9. 9

   For the chocolate cream: Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until simmering. Remove from heat and add chopped dark chocolate. Let sit for 5 minutes, then whisk until smooth. Stir in powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until firm enough to pipe.

10. 10

    For the pink icing: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Add red food coloring, one drop at a time, until you achieve a light pink color.

11. 11

    To assemble: Once the choux pastries are cool, make a small hole in the bottom of each and pipe in the chocolate cream until full. Dip the tops of the filled pastries into the pink icing, allowing any excess to drip off. Let the icing set before serving.