Once upon a time, in a quaint little patisserie tucked away in a bustling market, I stumbled upon a mesmerizing display of profiteroles. Each delicate puff was filled with a sweet cream and drizzled with glossy chocolate. Inspired by that enchanting moment, I decided to create my own version that would evoke the warmth of citrus and the richness of chocolate. Hence, the Whimsical Chocolate-Orange Profiteroles were born—an irresistible treat that combines the lightness of choux pastry with a luscious orange cream filling and a decadent dark chocolate glaze.
Ingredients
For the choux pastry:
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 4 large eggs
For the orange cream filling:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1 tablespoon orange juice
For the chocolate glaze:
– 6 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring a clean and easy release for your pastries. In a saucepan, combine the water and butter over medium heat, stirring until the butter is melted and the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Remove from heat and add the flour and salt all at once, stirring vigorously until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Allow the dough to cool slightly before adding the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe small mounds (about 2 inches in diameter) onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space in between for expansion. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the profiteroles are puffed and golden brown. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
While the profiteroles are cooling, prepare the orange cream filling. In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and orange zest until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the vanilla extract and orange juice to create a delightful, citrus-infused cream. Once the profiteroles have cooled, use a small knife to make a slit in the side of each puff and fill them with the orange cream using a piping bag or a spoon.
Now for the pièce de résistance: the chocolate glaze. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the chopped dark chocolate, heavy cream, and butter. Stir continuously until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth and shiny. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before drizzling over the filled profiteroles.
To serve, arrange the profiteroles on a beautiful platter and watch as everyone’s eyes light up with delight. These Whimsical Chocolate-Orange Profiteroles are not just a treat; they are a celebration of flavors that bring joy to any gathering. Enjoy your culinary creation and the smiles it brings!