How to make choux pastry and eclairs

Points to remember

• Gently heat milk, butter and water until the butter has melted, then bring to the boil.
• Once boiling, turn off the heat and quickly shoot in flour (and sugar, if using).
• Beat vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture is well combined and comes away from the sides.
• Cool to hand temperature and beat in the eggs gradually to a smooth dough - the texture should be a reluctant dropping consistency.
• To make eclairs, fit a piping bag with a 1.5 – 2cm round nozzle.
• Pipe 12 cm lengths onto a greased baking sheet.
• Wet your finger and press down any peaks.
• Place in a heated oven and bake until golden and firm.
• Remove from the oven and cut open the eclairs, then return to the oven to dry out and crisp for a few minutes.
• Once cool, fill with piped, sweetened cream.
• Dip in melted chocolate and allow to set.