Chocolate Choux Buns

Choux pastry can be difficult to make, so follow this easy chocolate choux bun recipe to ensure success.

FOR THE CHOUX PASTRY

Ingredients

·         50 g (2oz) butter, cut into cubes

·         150 ml (1⁄4 pint) sparkling spring water

·         1 level tbsp golden caster sugar

·         65 g (21⁄2oz) plain flour, sifted on to a sheet of greaseproof paper

·         2 medium eggs, lightly beaten

FOR THE FILLING

Ingredients

·         284 ml carton double cream, whipped with 1tsp vanilla extract and 1 level tsp caster sugar

FOR THE TOPPING

Ingredients

·         200 g (7oz) plain chocolate, melted with 75g (3oz) butter

Method

1.    Melt the butter with the water and caster sugar in a heavy-based pan.

2.    Bring to the boil, turn off the heat and immediately tip in all the flour.

3.    Beat thoroughly with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth ball in the centre of the pan.

4.    Turn the ball into a bowl and cool for 15min. Preheat the oven to 220°C (190°C fan) mark 7.

5.    Gradually whisk in the eggs a little at a time until the mixture is shiny.

6.    Sprinkle water over a non-stick baking sheet. Put eight large spoonsful of the mixture on to the baking sheet.

7.    Bake for 30min until risen and golden brown. Turn off the oven.

8.    Pierce each bun. Leave in the oven for 10-15min. Cool on a wire rack.

9.    Halve buns and fill with cream. Top with warm melted chocolate.