Yesterday was release day for
A Deadly Éclair!
So today, I'm offering a giveaway!
Either a Savor the Mystery mug or
a set of A Deadly Eclair coasters.
See below.
Also, Krista has a new Paws & Claws Mystery out! Don't miss it! I love this series.
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By the way, I'm still in blog tour and book signing mode, so I'll be around and about, on the internet as well as bookstores. In addition, I'm giving away one more French Bistro themed box this weekend. You have to leave a comment on my Facebook author page. Don't miss out. The giveaway goes for one week. It's How to Sightsee in Napa Valley!
TODAY'S GIVEAWAY
Also, Krista has a new Paws & Claws Mystery out! Don't miss it! I love this series.
Please read A Deadly Eclair. You would make my publisher and me very happy. :) And tell a friend or librarian.
I had such a ball creating this new world, set in the wine country of northern California. I absolutely adore Mimi.
Now, I know there is a bittersweetness to releasing this book at this time. The wine country has suffered a lot of tragedy due to the wildfires, and my heart goes out to everyone. To those affected, I hope that a light-hearted adventure such as this might ease your soul. May you remember gentler times.
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I would be remiss if I didn't share my éclair recipe with you. After all, it was the inspiration for my title! I'm offering a "regular flour" recipe with you, but for myself, I made these gluten-free, and believe me, they were delicious. They don't last past a day. Did I have fun? Oh, yeah. Down the hatch! LOL
*If anyone wants the gluten-free version, feel free to write me and I'll share it with you.
FYI, the custard that goes into these beauties is delicious, so if you don't want to go to the trouble of making the pastry shell, simply make the custard and serve with chocolate glaze. Yum!
CHOCOLATE ÉCLAIR
(Makes 8-10)
Custard Filling:
2
cups whole milk
1/2
vanilla bean, split lengthwise
6
egg yolks
2/3
cup sugar
1/4
cup cornstarch
1
tablespoon cold unsalted butter
Pastry:
1
cup water
8
tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
1/2
teaspoon salt
1
1/2 teaspoons sugar
1
cup all-purpose flour
4
eggs
Chocolate Glaze:
2
tablespoons butter
3
ounces semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped – use the best brand, like
Ghirardelli
To make the filling:
In
a medium saucepan, heat the milk and vanilla bean to a boil over medium heat. Turn
off the heat and set the pan aside to let the vanilla’s richness infuse the
milk.
In
a bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the
cornstarch and whisk vigorously until no lumps remain.
Add
in 1/4 cup of the hot milk mixture and whisk until incorporated. Add in the
remaining hot milk mixture and whisk.
Reserve the saucepan (don’t wash).
Pour
the mixture through a strainer back into the saucepan. Cook over medium-high
heat, whisking constantly. Slowly boil until it thickens up.
Remove
from the heat and stir in the cold unsalted butter. Let the mixture cool slightly.
Cover with plastic wrap. Lightly press the plastic against the surface so a skin
won’t form.
Chill
the custard at least 2 hours or until ready to serve. You can make this a day
ahead. Remove from refrigerator for about an hour before using.
To make the pastry:
Preheat
the oven to 400 degrees F. Line 2 sheet pans with parchment paper.
In
a large saucepan, bring the water, butter, salt and sugar to a rolling boil
over medium-high heat. When it boils, immediately take the pan off the heat. It
will be frothy.
Stirring
with a non-metal spoon, add all the flour at once and stir fast until all the
flour is incorporated, about 1 minute. It will become sleek and glossy.
Pour
the mixture into a standing mixer (or use a hand mixer). Mix at medium speed.
With the mixer running, add the 4 eggs, one at a time. Let each egg absorb
fully before adding the next. The dough should fall easily from the beaters.
Now
here is the messy part. The mixture is gooey! Put the mixture into a pastry bag
fitted with a large plain tip. Pipe fat lengths of dough (about the size and
shape of a hot dog bun) onto the lined baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space
between them. This will make about 8-10 éclairs. Again, do not worry if you are
not a pro. This takes practice.
Bake
10 minutes, then reduce the heat to 325 degrees and bake until puffed up and
light golden brown, about 20 minutes more. Don’t open the oven door during the
baking.
Remove
from oven and let cool on the baking sheet. Prick the éclairs to let out steam.
Let cool at least 10 minutes.
To make the glaze:
Set
the chocolate in a small bowl. Melt the chocolate in the microwave on medium
for 30 seconds. Stir then melt again on medium for 15 seconds. Repeat until it
is melted completely. Do not overcook!
Add
in the butter and stir until butter is melted.
To assemble:
Cut
the pastry shells in half, lengthwise. I prefer to use pastry scissors for
this.
Pour
chocolate mixture onto a flat plate. Dip the top of the shell in the warm
chocolate glaze. Use the back of a spoon if you need to spread the chocolate
evenly. Set the shell, chocolate-side up, on a sheet pan. Chill, uncovered, at
least 1 hour to set the glaze.
When
ready, spoon the custard into the bottom half of the shell and place the
chocolate shell on top.
Enjoy! If you like, you can wrap each individually,
tightly in plastic wrap, insert into a freezer bag, and freeze. Defrost by
letting them stand at room temperature.
Tips:
Don’t own a pastry bag? That’s cool. Place the dough in a large
Ziploc baggie and cut the corner to pipe.
Dough too sticky? Put it in the refrigerator for a few
minutes for better handling.
FYI, pastries and cream can be made ahead of time, but éclairs
should be assembled just before you eat them.
PS I filled the gluten-free éclairs with a mock custard...just to try it out...and that is the custard in the little white cups photo below. Here is that recipe:
MOCK
CUSTARD
Such
an easy dessert!
(Serves 4-8, depending on dessert dish size)
5-ounce box instant vanilla pudding (make sure it’s gluten-free)
2 1/2 cups milk
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon gluten-free vanilla extract
In a small bowl, make vanilla pudding by combining pudding mix
and milk. Let it firm up in the refrigerator for about 5 minutes.
Place heavy whipping cream in stand mixer (or a regular bowl,
which is what I did) and whip it at medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
This takes about 2-3 minutes. Don’t over whip or it will turn into butter.
Mix in powdered sugar and vanilla with the whipped cream. Now fold in the chilled vanilla pudding.
That’s it!
Pour into 4- or 6-ounce ramekins or dessert dishes. Cover with
plastic wrap. Chill.
This keeps for about 4-5 days.
 |
| remove the vanilla bean |
 |
| Mock custard |
 |
| This real custard has a much denser texture; very eggy. Delish! |
