Happy Labor day to everyone today :) I hope you are all very laborless, unless maybe you are having a baby or something... Today is going to be a super short post, because of the holiday and a bunch of stuff going on, but I'll be back early next week :) Oh, and sorry about the lack of comments on my part... I'll be able to play catch up and see your sweet creations once I get back downstate.
Today, besides the holiday is a cool day, because it marks my first Daring Bakers Challenge. That's right, kids, every month, you and I will be daring with dynamite :) My inspiration for joining this group was due to the fact that I often bake my "comfort go to's" and don't branch out enough.
Well, with these Chocolate Eclairs... I branched out, dude. I'm pretty much bought a whole tree, because I would never make something like this on my own. I mean that in a good way though, because growth and experience are what keeps us alive :)
We were allowed a couple of changes to the recipe, as long as we kept one chocolate element. Seeing how I am not a real chocolate head... (I'm a jam head, according to both myself and Cookie), I chose to keep the classic chocolate glaze, and change up the filling.
Anybody here like grasshopper cookies, or those Girl Scout Mint Thins, or something like that?
I do. Mint is a very misunderstood herb I think.
So I decided to go with a vanilla cream filling, but I added a little mint extract to make it more like a vanilla mint cream. Couple that with the chocolate glaze, and bam... you have an awesome minty cream combo :)
Overall, I really enjoyed this challenge. I want to thank the DBers for helping each other out, and it's nice to have such a great, friendly group out there. Eclairs are fun, and had quite a few steps, but they were all easy. I want to thank Big Tony over at Olive Juice, and Meeta over at What's for Lunch, Honey? for hosting this event (both of their sites and pics are rediculous professional looking). Head on over there if you haven't already, and be sure to check out all the other DBers. Where everywhere, it's the eclair show today.
Things I've learned:
Today, besides the holiday is a cool day, because it marks my first Daring Bakers Challenge. That's right, kids, every month, you and I will be daring with dynamite :) My inspiration for joining this group was due to the fact that I often bake my "comfort go to's" and don't branch out enough.
Well, with these Chocolate Eclairs... I branched out, dude. I'm pretty much bought a whole tree, because I would never make something like this on my own. I mean that in a good way though, because growth and experience are what keeps us alive :)
We were allowed a couple of changes to the recipe, as long as we kept one chocolate element. Seeing how I am not a real chocolate head... (I'm a jam head, according to both myself and Cookie), I chose to keep the classic chocolate glaze, and change up the filling.Anybody here like grasshopper cookies, or those Girl Scout Mint Thins, or something like that?
I do. Mint is a very misunderstood herb I think.
So I decided to go with a vanilla cream filling, but I added a little mint extract to make it more like a vanilla mint cream. Couple that with the chocolate glaze, and bam... you have an awesome minty cream combo :)
Overall, I really enjoyed this challenge. I want to thank the DBers for helping each other out, and it's nice to have such a great, friendly group out there. Eclairs are fun, and had quite a few steps, but they were all easy. I want to thank Big Tony over at Olive Juice, and Meeta over at What's for Lunch, Honey? for hosting this event (both of their sites and pics are rediculous professional looking). Head on over there if you haven't already, and be sure to check out all the other DBers. Where everywhere, it's the eclair show today.Things I've learned:
- Everyone likes eclairs
- Choux pastry is more than just a funny word
- Trying new recipes make us better bakers
- Eclair making can be messy
Comments
Love your flavor-variation for the éclairs!! C'est fantastique!
The inspiration on the grasshopper cookies was great, I love mint so i'm sure they tasted wonderful! Maybe next time you should consider the addition of a real grashopper, you know, just to add some crunch!
Well done!
La glassa è così spesso, pensando bene.
(those look amazing/fabulous. that frosting is so thick, good thinking).
I have to start praticing my Italian--lol
I need to join TWD, but you know I don't even own a stand up mixer. I do everything by hand. Crazy I know, but those mixers are so expensive.
Great variation :)
Pssst - I've just signed up to DB myself - eeek!!!
Love your minty kick!
Are you ready for the opening weekend of NFL :)? It'll be interesting because the Dolphins' quarterback used to wear a Jets jersey...not too long ago!
So, speaking of trees, if a tree falls in the forest, does it make a sound? You did. Great post, as always.