Cream Puffs

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Position rack in center of oven. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit a non-air-cushioned baking sheet. Lightly butter the baking sheet and cover with the paper. Fit a pastry bag with 1-inch tip.

2. Step 2

   In a 2-quart saucepan, bring water, salt and butter just to a boil so that butter melts. Remove from heat. Add the flour all at once and beat vigorously with a wooden spoon just until blended.

3. Step 3

   Return pan to stove and continue to beat over low heat until the mixture is smooth, shiny and pulls away from sides of pan, about 30 seconds.

4. Step 4

   Remove from heat. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Make sure each is fully incorporated. The finished dough will look shiny.

5. Step 5

   To fill the pastry bag, fold top third of the bag down over your hand and scrape the dough into the bag with a spatula. When two-thirds full, twirl the top of the bag until all the air is out. Continue to twirl the bag and apply pressure with one hand, using your other hand to steady the tip. Gently squeeze dough onto the baking sheet to form 13 1½-inch mounds.

6. Step 6

   Bake for 20 minutes.

7. Step 7

   Remove from oven. Slit puffs on either side about halfway through with the tip of a sharp knife. Return puffs to oven for 15 minutes. Remove to cooling rack. When cool, split in half from side to side.

8. Step 8

   The puffs should be light and browned. If there is any wet dough, pull it out with fingers.