Ingredients:
For the Choux Pastry:
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
For the Praline Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup praline paste (you can make your own by blending caramelized almonds)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
For Garnish:
- Sliced almonds, toasted
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the choux pastry: In a saucepan, combine water, milk, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 2 minutes.
3. Add eggs: Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
4. Pipe the pastry: Transfer the choux pastry dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe 3-inch circles onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each for expansion.
5. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (180°C) and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
6. Prepare the praline cream: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Fold in the praline paste and powdered sugar until well combined.
7. Assemble: Once the choux pastry shells are cooled, slice each one in half horizontally. Pipe or spoon the praline cream filling into the bottom half of each pastry shell. Place the top half back on, gently pressing down.
8. Garnish: Sprinkle the toasted sliced almonds over the filled pastries. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
9. Serve: Your Paris-Brest pastries are now ready to be served and enjoyed!