Strawberry Puffs

Delicious Strawberry Puffs Recipe - Perfect for Satisfying Your Sweet Tooth

| Servings: 6

Introduction

Strawberry Puffs are a delightful and elegant dessert that combines light and airy pastry puffs with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and a drizzle of fudge sauce. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat to enjoy any time.

History

The origins of Strawberry Puffs are not well-documented, but similar desserts featuring cream-filled pastry puffs have been enjoyed in various forms for centuries. The combination of strawberries and cream is a classic pairing that is beloved by many.

Ingredients

2 pt (946 ml) baskets of California strawberries, stemmed and sliced
sugar
0.5 cup of water
0.25 cup of butter
0.5 tsp of salt
0.5 cup of all-purpose flour
2 eggs
1 cup of whipping cream
1 tsp of vanilla
0.33 cup of prepared fudge sauce
powdered sugar

How to prepare

In a bowl, toss strawberries with sugar to taste. Cover and chill.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
In a 1 qt (946 ml) saucepan, bring water, butter, and salt to a boil.
Remove from heat and stir in flour all at once to blend thoroughly.
Set over medium heat and cook and stir until the mixture pulls away from the side of the pan and forms a ball.
Remove from heat and cool slightly.
Thoroughly beat in eggs one at a time.
Spoon the batter into 6 equal mounds, spaced apart, onto a lightly greased baking sheet.
Bake in the center of the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the puffs are evenly browned.
Turn off the oven and remove the puffs.
Using a thin knife, cut a slit in each puff.
Return to the oven for 10 minutes, then cool completely on a rack.
In a bowl, whip cream to form soft peaks. Sweeten with sugar to taste and flavor with vanilla.
To assemble, halve the puffs horizontally with a serrated knife.
Fill the puffs with whipped cream and some of the strawberries.
Drizzle with fudge sauce, thinning with a little water if needed.
Cover with puff tops and dust lightly with powdered sugar.
Serve with the remaining strawberries and accompany with additional fudge sauce if desired.
Makes 6 servings.
Lowfat Variation: Substitute 1 package (3.4 oz (96 g)) instant vanilla pudding mix made with 2 cups nonfat milk, as directed on the package, for the whipped cream.
Substitute light fudge sauce for the fudge sauce.

Variations

For a lower-fat option, substitute instant vanilla pudding made with nonfat milk for the whipped cream.
Experiment with different fruit fillings such as raspberries or blueberries.
Drizzle the puffs with caramel sauce instead of fudge for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cool the pastry puffs completely before filling them with whipped cream and strawberries to prevent the cream from melting.

- Drizzle the fudge sauce over the filled puffs just before serving to maintain a beautiful presentation.

- You can make the pastry puffs ahead of time and store them in an airtight container until ready to assemble.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Strawberry Puffs as a decadent dessert after a special meal or as a sweet treat for a brunch or afternoon tea.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect pastry puffs is to ensure that the dough is cooked until it forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. This will create light and airy puffs that are perfect for filling with cream and fruit.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh strawberries, you can use frozen strawberries that have been thawed and drained. You can also use store-bought whipped cream instead of making your own.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the pastry puffs ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Fill them with whipped cream and strawberries just before serving to maintain their freshness.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the filled Strawberry Puffs on a platter and garnish with fresh mint leaves for a beautiful presentation. Dust the tops with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Strawberry Puffs with a glass of sparkling wine or champagne for a special occasion. They also pair well with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy dessert option.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Strawberry Puffs in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven at a low temperature to crisp up the pastry if needed.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Strawberry Puffs contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Strawberry Puffs contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Strawberry Puffs contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Strawberry Puffs contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Strawberries are a good source of vitamin C and manganese, while the whipped cream provides calcium and vitamin D.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs, dairy, and wheat.

Summary

Strawberry Puffs are a delicious dessert option that provides a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are a sweet treat that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a warm summer day, and I had been invited to a neighbor's house for a potluck BBQ. As I walked into the kitchen, the sweet aroma of freshly baked pastries filled the air. I followed my nose to the source of the delicious scent and found my neighbor, Mrs. Jenkins, pulling a tray of golden brown Strawberry Puffs out of the oven.

I watched in awe as she expertly dusted the puffs with powdered sugar and arranged them on a platter. Mrs. Jenkins noticed my interest and smiled warmly at me. "Would you like to try one?" she asked, holding out a puff towards me. I eagerly accepted, taking a bite of the light, flaky pastry filled with sweet, juicy strawberries. It was love at first bite.

Mrs. Jenkins must have seen the look of delight on my face because she chuckled and said, "I'm glad you like them! They're easy to make, too. Would you like the recipe?" I nodded eagerly, and she reached into a drawer and handed me a well-worn index card with the recipe for the Strawberry Puffs written in her elegant handwriting.

Over the years, I have collected many recipes from various places and people, but the recipe for Mrs. Jenkins' Strawberry Puffs has always held a special place in my heart. It reminds me of that warm summer day and the kindness of a neighbor who was willing to share her culinary secrets with me.

I couldn't wait to try making the Strawberry Puffs for myself. As soon as I got home, I gathered the ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen. The recipe was surprisingly simple, and I found joy in the process of mixing the dough, rolling it out, and filling each puff with ripe, juicy strawberries.

As the puffs baked in the oven, my kitchen was filled with the same mouthwatering aroma that had captivated me at Mrs. Jenkins' house. When the timer finally beeped, I pulled the tray of Strawberry Puffs out of the oven and marveled at how perfectly they had turned out. I dusted them with powdered sugar, just like Mrs. Jenkins had done, and arranged them on a platter.

I couldn't resist taking a bite of one of the puffs while they were still warm. The pastry was light and flaky, the strawberries bursting with sweet juiciness. It was just as delicious as I remembered, and I felt a sense of pride in having successfully recreated Mrs. Jenkins' recipe in my own kitchen.

From that day on, the recipe for Strawberry Puffs became a staple in my culinary repertoire. I made them for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, delighting everyone who had the pleasure of tasting them. Each time I made the puffs, I felt a connection to Mrs. Jenkins and the shared love of cooking that had brought us together.

As the years passed, I continued to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twists and variations to make it uniquely my own. I tried different fruits, spices, and fillings, always staying true to the basic technique that Mrs. Jenkins had taught me. Through trial and error, I honed my skills as a baker, becoming known among family and friends for my delectable Strawberry Puffs.

Now, as I pass on the recipe to my own grandchildren, I hope that they will find the same joy and satisfaction in making these puffs as I have. The recipe may have originated from Mrs. Jenkins, but it has taken on a life of its own in my kitchen, evolving and growing with each batch that I bake.

In the end, the recipe for Strawberry Puffs is not just about the ingredients or the process of making them. It is a symbol of the love and connection that food can create between people, bridging gaps and bringing us closer together. And for that, I will always be grateful to Mrs. Jenkins for introducing me to this delightful treat that has become a cherished part of my culinary legacy.