It’s hard to believe that Christmas is just two days away! I finally finished up at school today, including packing up my computer to send back to company headquarters for a newer model. To make matters even more complicated today, we had a late lunch day…sigh, and all we wanted to do was finish and go home. As our Christmas break approaches were as bad as the students, anticipating the break and of course the much needed rest. I don’t know about the resting part, but just to sleep until 6 am will be such a treat. No matter how long I do it, you never get use to waking up at 4am. With Christmas almost here, I still have so much to do, a little shopping to finish, and of course some groceries. I think were going out for Christmas Eve, sometimes it’s just nice to get out of the house and let someone else do the cooking, and with so many wonderful restaurants in the area, the only hard part is picking which one to go to!
We are still hoping for a white Christmas, even a dusting will do, but right now its raining and 52, not quite the Christmas weather we were hoping for….sigh
But your not here for a weather report or my Christmas Wish List, your here because today is a very special day! Not only is it Guest Post Friday, but it’s my Christmas edition! Today I have a very special guest, someone who never fails to make laugh and make me smile, just getting an email from her with the heading reading lunatic, just brings a smile to my face. Today I would like to introduce you to Kim, from Cravings of a Lunatic. I first met Kim when she stumbled onto the foodbuzz scene, and it was apparent from the start that she had found her calling as a food blogger! Kim is a natural in the kitchen and has been wowing us with all the delicious dishes she prepares on a very regular basis. I know your going to love what she’s made for us today, so without further ado, I give you Kim and……..
Cravings of a Lunatic
I am so happy and thrilled to be here guest posting for Chef Dennis today. When I first joined Foodbuzz Dennis was the first one to reach out to me. I wandered over to A Culinary Journey and was quickly blown away by how gorgeous the food was, and how friendly Dennis was. Over time we’re developed a friendship that I value deeply. Chef Dennis is always there to lend a helping hand and offer advice. People this genuine are rare folks. I adore his Ask Chef Dennis series and take what he says to heart. I make notes like a school child and rush off to do whatever he has offered up that week. It’s been an invaluable tool for a new blogger like me. When Dennis asked me to guest let’s just say the whole neighbourhood knew about it. I may have shouted it from the deck and jumped around like a Lunatic a little bit. What can I say, being asked to guest post is incredible. When he told me it was the Friday before Christmas well, let’s just say I may have passed out for a little bit.
I have to admit I was all over the place trying to decide what to make. So many possibilities but what was special enough for Dennis and Christmas. The pressure was on. I was back and forth from one thing to the next. Do I do a dessert or a meal? Do I stick with my strength like ice cream or pizza, or do I go out on a limb for this one? Should I use an old standby or a signature dish, or should I do something original? Should I do a Christmas theme or keep it neutral? So as you can see I went out on limb and did something original but with a Christmas twist. I shall tell you now this is my first go at éclairs. I am not a big pastry maker. It seems to be my downfall. So why did I choose it for a guest post? Well for me it’s all about pushing myself to try new things, and step outside my comfort zone. It was either going to shine brightly or flop miserably. I’ll let you folks decide the results.
- 5 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
- ⅔ cup water
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour, sifted
- 2 eggs
- 1¼ cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa
- ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
- Crushed peppermints or candy canes for garnish
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Place the water in a pan and add the butter. Heat gently until the butter melts.
- Bring this to a rolling boil, and then remove the pan from the heat.
- Add flour all at once, now you beat this until the mixture leaves the sides of the pan to form a ball.
- Let this cool slightly before continuing.
- Now gradually add the eggs, beating them in until they form a smooth, glossy mixture.
- Spoon this into a pastry bag fitted with a ½ inch plain tip.
- Sprinkle some water on your cookie sheets.
- Now pipe éclairs so they are 3 inches long, spacing them well apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes.
- You will know they are done by their golden appearance and crisp tops.
- Remove from oven and make a small slit in each one to let steam escape.
- Cool on a wire rack.
- Whisk the heavy cream for a few minutes on its own.
- Add the sugar and whip again. You want it to form a slightly stiff cream.
- Now add the peppermint extract and whip another minute.
- Place in a pastry bag and set aside to pipe it into the éclairs
- Melt the butter with the milk in a pan over medium-low heat.
- Remove from the heat and add cocoa and sugar. Stir well until it is smooth and slightly glossy.
- Split the éclairs lengthwise with a knife. I found a bread knife worked very well.
- Now pipe the whipped cream into the middle of each éclair.
- Spread the frosting over each one.
- Sprinkle them with crushed peppermint.
- Let them set on counter or in fridge for a little bit.
- Serve with a big smile!
Thank you so much Chef Dennis for sharing your blog with me today. I am so touched you asked. For a little housewife with the Minnie Mouse voice this is a huge deal. I should probably end this without any jokes or silliness. Yet I feel compelled to make sure all your readers have your digits. I know I promised not to give them out but I just can’t help myself. Ladies and gents if you want to reach Chef Dennis you call him at…..243-765-7827! (Kidding folks but spell it out just for fun!)
Toodles and smoochies.xx
Ok, all I know is when I dialed that number I got the Toronto Police, so I wouldn’t advise trying it! Seriously, you gotta love those Eclairs..Wow! This is definitely a dessert you can make anytime of the year, and I never thought of flavoring the cream before, what an incredible idea, more genius than lunatic! I know everyone is busy getting ready for Christmas, but before you forget please head on over to Cravings of a Lunatic and say hello to Kim, just remember to tell her Chef Dennis sent you! Make sure you start bookmark her blog, because I know your not going to want to miss a single dish she prepares, in fact you can become her newest follower!
That’s about it for today my friends, still so much to do, but right now sleep is in order and with a little luck and cooperation from our dogs, I’ll sleep until 6 am…sigh, the good life! I would like to wish every one a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Season of good cheer. Be safe , be healthy and be happy , life is too short, make sure you enjoy every day while you still can!
Buon Natale!
YAY, Kim! The Eclairs look super, duper yummy! What a delightful Christmas treat to see the two of you paired up!
Chef Dennis – Kim is one of my very favorite bloggers and a terrific friend! You couldn’t have made a better pick!
Kim – Congratulations – I know EXACTLY what you mean when he asked…it was a FUN post and a terrific choice! BRAVO for going outside your comfort zone!
gosh i love to have it…
Chef Dennis- Thank you so much you gracious man. I am so pleased and just a wee bit intimidated to be here. You made this a very pleasant experience and I am ever grateful.
Ann- Aw, thanks my dear. I thank you and Dennis for helping with pictures. You are so supportive my dear. I had so much fun making these. And let’s be honest, even more fun eating them.
Loveforfood- So easy to make. I was so surprised. I thought for sure I;d mess them up. Next time I shall slit them though. I totally forgot to. Lol!
Kim is by far my favorite Lunatic! I couldn’t agree more with all of the wonderful things you had to say about her Dennis!
The eclairs look fabulous Kim. I love that you just went for it. I have a hard time ever making the same recipe twice for love of the thrill of not knowing exactly how something will turn out…I know “big thrill”….I don’t get out much
Lol Christie. I don’t get out much either so I feel the same way when it comes to baking. Thanks so much for your kind words.
Yummmmm ! Want some of that ( sans peppermint
) pls , Kim ;D Great guest post , Chef !
Thanks so much. I did a plain batch for mini-me, she is not a peppermint fan either.
So glad to see Kim guest posting! These eclairs do look wonderful, surprising it is the result of a first time try. I know I would love to eat a few. Kim, it cracks me up that you call yourself the voice of Minnie Mouse, you certainly come across in writing as a very outgoing person. It is true what they say about the three-how you see yourself, how others see you and how you actually are.
Chef-glad to hear that you are letting someone else handle the meal for Christmas Eve, a much needed break. Also, there still is time yet for the snow to roll in so don’t give up yet!
Both of you enjoy the holidays!
I had beginners luck as I tried to make a second batch and they were not so good. Piping bag super important is the lesson of the day. I honestly sound like Minnie Mouse, my voice sounds young. I get asked “can I speak to your Mom or Dad all the time”. Makes me laugh every time.
How exciting to see my sweet and hilarious friend here on your blog this Friday, Dennis!!! You two are at the top of my favorite blogger list!
Kim, you rocked these beauties…so beautiful…AND perfect for Christmas!!! And, as always, you made me smile!!!
Merry Christmas to you both!
Thanks Lizzy, I had so much fun making these. You are so sweet! xx
I do so love a good eclair. The beautiful mess of it all is completely inviting. Dreams come true for the Lunatic.
Thanks Gwenevere! xx
Kim – these are beautiful!!! You are so talented. I envy your creativity and sense of humor!
Chef Dennis: Great choice, Kim is a fabulous and hilarious blogger and wonderful blog friend.
Aw, thanks Dara. I am so touched by your sweet comment.
Great posting! I love the Christmas twist on a old favorite. Very, very cute with the peppermint toppings.
Thanks Emily. I just love smashing candy canes to bits during the holidays. It’s so fun. Lol!
I usually use a ganache when I make eclairs. Using frosting is an interesting idea. And I love anything with candy canes.
It is a ganache like frosting. You do it pretty much the same way but for some reason the cookbook calls it frosting. So I followed their lead. Me too, for some reason taking a rolling pin to them makes me do a happy dance. It’s a bit sad. Lol!
Wonderful guest post, Kim! I love these eclairs. Great idea to add peppermint!
Thanks Cassie. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas! xx
Those eclairs look delicious! I just love the name of Kim’s blog too.
Thanks Margaret. The name just fits. I swear I drive the family to the brink with all my cravings and “I just gotta make’s”. So happy you like them.
happy holidays
delicious looking eclairs
Thanks so much. Happy Holidays to you as well! xx
Awesome job Kim!!! Nothing to be nervous about at all!!! Happy holidays to you both, and Chef may you enjoy a well deserved vacation.
Thanks Jen. Happy Holidays my dear. xx
Congrats on top 9, I had to hang around to see if it made it. Lol. I am now hitting Walmart at midnight. See the Lunatic name applies in all aspects of my life, not just food. Thanks for everything Dennis. Much gratitude! xx
wow… tempting ones… happy holidays !!
Thanks! Merry Christmas!
Love Kim’s blog! I’ve always wanted to try to make an eclair, hers look perfect. I especially love the note to Santa
You are so sweet! They are not as hard as I thought they would be. You should totally try it out. I swear I write Santa the same note every year. They always start with “I’m sorry”, lol!
Yummy looks so good and beautiful nice work. Love your blog come check out mine
Have a great Christmas and wonderful New Year
Thanks so much Ashley! Merry Christmas to you too!
These look wonderful! I’ve never made an eclair before but I bet homemade are incredible… especially with the holiday flavor thrown in!
Hi Lauren. Thanks so much. You know I thought they would be super hard to make and they weren’t too difficult at all. So worth all the steps in the end when you get to scarf them down. Lol!
Your eclairs look and sound delicious. What a lovely holiday treat. Thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas:)
Thanks Geraldine! Merry Christmas to you and yours!
ohmagosh! these look so yummy. and the pictures are so beautiful, i’m not sure if i’d rather eat them or stare at them! i think i’m going with both.
Hi Anna! Lol, that is pretty much what I did. I also ate a couple during the photo shoot. Bad to the bone this week. Lol!
Congratulations on Top 9, Kim & Dennis! What a winning combination….and there’s donuts! *sigh* Life is GOOD!
Lol Ann. Thanks my dear. I had a blast with these. Then made a second batch the other day and they flopped. Word to the wise, always use a pastry bag.
Hi Kim-What a fun and delicious guest post for Dennis’ blog. These eclairs are gorgeous and so festive.
Kim and Dennis-Wish you both a very Merry Christmas. Buon Natale:)xo
Thank you so much Lora. I am so pleased you like them. Huge fan of your blog. Merry Christmas!
These look wonderful – perfect for the holiday! Hope you had a wonderful & blessed Christmas!
I see instructions to pipe in the whip cream twice (Ganache pastry #18), (Putting it together #2). Do we do it twice, with half each time? Confused. But looks yummy which is why I’m asking.
hi Robin
the first time Choux Pastry #18 is piping the choux dough, that makes the eclairs, the second time Putting it together #2 is the whipped cream. thank you for pointing out this mistake in the directions!
let me know if you do make them
cheers
Dennis
I’m a little bit speechless because these are sooo gorgeous and they look amazingly delicious! Wow! What a festive holiday treat.
I’ve always meant to learn how to make eclairs (I even booked a class – but it was cancelled last minute) but to be honest I thought it would be too hard. Looking at this recipe it seems like it should be worth a go. You’ll never know unless you try, I guess