What To Know
- Profiteroles are a great option for a quick and easy dessert, while croquembouches are a more elaborate and impressive dessert that is perfect for special occasions.
- However, profiteroles are typically smaller than cream puffs and are often served as a dessert or appetizer, while cream puffs are typically larger and are often served as a breakfast or snack.
- The best way to fill profiteroles is to use a pastry bag fitted with a small round….
Profiteroles, also known as cream puffs, are small, round pastries made from choux pastry. They are typically filled with a sweet cream or custard and topped with chocolate ganache or whipped cream. Profiteroles are often served as a dessert or appetizer.
Croquembouche: The Majestic Tower of Pastries
A croquembouche is a towering cone-shaped pastry made from profiteroles. The profiteroles are held together by caramel and decorated with spun sugar. Croquembouches are often served as a centerpiece at weddings and other special occasions.
Similarities Between Profiteroles and Croquembouche
Both profiteroles and croquembouches are made from choux pastry. They are also both filled with a sweet cream or custard.
Differences Between Profiteroles and Croquembouche
The main difference between profiteroles and croquembouches is their size and shape. Profiteroles are small, round pastries, while croquembouches are large, cone-shaped pastries. Croquembouches are also more elaborate than profiteroles, as they are decorated with spun sugar.
Which Is Better: Profiteroles or Croquembouche?
The answer to this question depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer small, delicate pastries, then you will likely prefer profiteroles. If you prefer large, elaborate pastries, then you will likely prefer croquembouches.
How to Make Profiteroles
To make profiteroles, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup water
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine the flour, butter, and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
6. Beat the eggs and salt in a small bowl.
7. Gradually add the eggs to the flour mixture, stirring constantly.
8. Beat until the dough is smooth and shiny.
9. Transfer the dough to a pastry bag fitted with a round tip.
10. Pipe 1-inch rounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
11. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the profiteroles are golden brown.
12. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
13. To fill the profiteroles, whip the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
14. Transfer the whipped cream to a pastry bag fitted with a small round tip.
15. Pipe the whipped cream into the profiteroles.
16. Serve immediately.
How to Make a Croquembouche
To make a croquembouche, you will need the following ingredients:
- 50 profiteroles
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Spun sugar, for decoration
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, corn syrup, and cream of tartar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the caramel is golden brown.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Dip the top of each profiterole into the caramel.
7. Arrange the profiteroles in a cone shape on a serving platter.
8. Drizzle the remaining caramel over the profiteroles.
9. Decorate with spun sugar.
10. Serve immediately.
Summary
Profiteroles and croquembouches are both delicious pastries that can be enjoyed at any occasion. Profiteroles are a great option for a quick and easy dessert, while croquembouches are a more elaborate and impressive dessert that is perfect for special occasions.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: What is the difference between a profiterole and a cream puff?
A: Profiteroles and cream puffs are both made from choux pastry and filled with a sweet cream or custard. However, profiteroles are typically smaller than cream puffs and are often served as a dessert or appetizer, while cream puffs are typically larger and are often served as a breakfast or snack.
Q: What is the best way to fill profiteroles?
A: The best way to fill profiteroles is to use a pastry bag fitted with a small round tip. This will allow you to control the amount of filling that you put into each profiterole and to ensure that the filling is evenly distributed.
Q: How do you make spun sugar?
A: To make spun sugar, you will need to melt sugar in a saucepan until it is golden brown. Then, you will need to pour the melted sugar onto a heat-resistant surface and use a fork to spin it into thin strands.
