Caramel Cream Puffs

Serves 30

Hands-on time: 25 minutes

Hands-off time: 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS

¼ cup low-fat milk

¼ cup (57g) softened margarine

½ cup cake flour, sieved

2 medium eggs

½ cup ice-cold Nestlé Whipping Cream

¼ cup Nestlé Caramel Treat Dairy Dessert

Serving suggestion:

Melted chocolate

METHOD

For the puffs:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C, fan assisted and line 2 large baking trays with baking paper.

2. Heat ½ a cup of water with the milk and margarine in a small pot over medium-low heat. Once the margarine has completely melted into the milk mixture use a wooden spoon to mix the cake flour in until a dough has formed.

3. Cook the dough on a low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously. *Chef’s Tip: The pastry will start to stick to the base of the pot when ready.

4. Take the pan off the stove and allow the dough to cool for about 10-15 minutes.

5. Once cooled, add the eggs to the pot and beat using the electric whisk until a light and fluffy batter-like consistency forms. *Chef’s tip: Add the eggs one at a time to make the whisking easier.

6. Spoon the batter into the corner of a resealable bag. Snip 2cm off the corner and pipe 15 circles onto each baking tray, about the size of a R5 coin and about 2-3 cm high. *Chef’s Tip: Dip your finger into water and flatten the top of each pastry circle.

7. Bake the pastry for about 20 minutes or until risen and golden brown. Once baked allow the puffs to cool to room temperature for 10-15 minutes. *Chef’s Tip: The puffs can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.

For the caramel cream:

8. Add the Nestlé Whipping Cream and Nestlé Caramel Treat Dairy Dessert to a mixing bowl and whisk until the mixture reaches stiff peaks. *Chef’s Tip: The Nestlé whipping cream must be refrigerated for a minimum of 12 hours before whipping!

9. Cut the cooled puffs into half and use 2 tablespoons to help neatly spoon 1 tablespoon of the caramel cream into the centre of each. Sandwich the two halves together again and drizzle the melted chocolate over the tops, if using. *Chef’s Tip: The chocolate drizzle is optional.

10. Serve the puffs immediately and ENJOY!