Tutorial: Éclairs & Choux Paste

According to The Chambers English Dictionary, at least in a pre-1970s version, an éclair is “a cake, long in shape but short in duration”. In a standard French dictionary, you’ll find that an éclair is not only a pastry, but also a flash of lightning.

Perfecting the French Éclair: A 4000+ Word Tutorial That Covers Every Little Detail

Food historians don’t quite agree as to why the pastry’s name means a flash of lightning in French—some believe the pastry’s moniker is a result of how quickly its eaten (“eaten in a flash”), while others claim its due to the fact that it sparkles when coated with glaze, like lightning. Regardless of its name, éclairs are undoubtedly delicious if made correctly. But they’re usually not.

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Caramelized Banana Soufflé

Soufflés are fun. They’re quick to make and are incredibly pretty when taken out of the oven. But then they deflate and disappoint you. So, if you like disappointment, soufflés are fun!

Craving something delicious? This recipe for EASY banana soufflé dusted with icing sugar and served with crunchy caramelized bananas is perfect! Click to get the recipe.

The thing with soufflés is that they are incredibly difficult to photograph. You’ve got less than two minutes from the time you take them out of the oven until they deflate. That’s why the soufflé in the photo isn’t very tall. When I first took it out of the oven, it was a couple of inches above the rim of the ramekin.

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Buttermilk Beignets

The French brought beignets to Louisiana in the 18th century and since then they have become commonplace there. In 1986, the state of Louisiana even declared these puffy, wondrous delights the official state doughnut.

Buttermilk beignets dusted with icing sugar. Don't you just want a bite? They're super simple to make, and if you click to get the recipe you can eat 'em tonight!

Beignets can be easily found in the area, but the most popular place to snack on this originally Acadian treat is at Café du Monde. The beignets there, which are served in a plate covered with a mountain of icing sugar, are truly special. That, however, doesn’t mean that you can’t make them at home. You’re pretty special yourself.

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