Structure Agent
Jessica Stout
Description
Cream Puffs
Puffs I: 1 cup boiling water 1/2 cup salted butter 1 cup pastry flour*, sifted 3 eggs Cream Puffs II: 1 cup boiling water 4 tbsp. unsalted butter 1/4 tsp. salt 1 cup all purpose flour 4 large eggs Cream puffs are a very light and delicate and hollow pastry of French origin. Although they are a simple bakery staple to prepare, a certain procedure needs to be followed for success. Sift the flour so that there are no lumps. In a saucepan, bring water and butter to the boiling point. Add the flour, all at one time, and stir briskly using a heavy wooden spoon, stirring constantly and in a circle until the mixture begins to leave the sides of the pan and form a ball. The mixture will become smooth, leaving the sides of the pan clean. Stir over low heat to dry the mixture for 2 or 3 minutes. The mixture will lose its stickiness. Add the unbeaten eggs, one at a time, beating each egg in thoroughly before adding the next egg. The mixture should be smooth and shiny. (Note: This may be transferred to a bowl, cooled for 3 or 4 minutes, then beaten using a hand mixer.) Drop by large spoonfuls onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet (or use a large pastry bag with a plain nozzle to pipe the mixture). Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for about 30 minutes. Allow to cool slowly. (You can leave them in the hot oven with the door open for a few minutes). When cool, use a very sharp knife to slice off the tops and fill with pudding, vanilla pastry cream, ice cream, flavored whipped cream, etc. Top with fruit sauce or drizzle with honey, melted chocolate or chocolate curls.
Muffins
4 cups flour 1 cup sugar 4 tbsp. oil 2 eggs 2 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. soda milk Mix all ingredients together. Use only enough milk to make desired consistency. Pour batter in muffin pan and bake at 350°F until done. You may also add dry cereal, fruit, nuts, raisins, or spices to taste.
Cakes
ONE-EGG CAKE: 1 1/2 cups sugar 1/2 cup butter or shortening 1 cup milk 1 egg 3 1/4 cups flour 3 teaspoons baking powder pinch of salt 1 teaspoon vanilla For any of the three cakes, combine all ingredients and bake in a well buttered pan in a preheated 350°F degree oven until cake tests done, about 30-35 minutes. Use these simple, basic cake recipes as the foundation of many weeknight desserts, sliced into layered puddings or topped with fruits and ice cream.