Heart's Delight Eclair
This delicate éclair, rumored to be a long-time favorite of European royalty, features an elegant presentation and rich flavor.
Ingredients
frozen puff pastry (thawed)
1 package (17.3 ounces)
cold milk
3 cups
instant vanilla pudding mix
1 package (5.1 ounces)
heavy whipping cream
2 cups
vanilla extract (divided)
1 teaspoon
confectioners' sugar
1 cup
water
1 tablespoon
almond extract
1/4 teaspoon
semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup
shortening
1 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Make the pastry shells
On a lightly floured surface, roll each pastry sheet into a 12-inch square. Using an 11-inch heart-shaped pattern, cut each pastry into heart shapes. Place on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Transfer to wire racks to cool.
2
Make the filling
Meanwhile, whisk milk and pudding mix until thickened. In a large mixing bowl, beat heavy cream and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into pudding.
3
Assemble
Cut the pastry hearts in half horizontally. Place one layer on a serving plate. Top with one-third of the pudding mixture. Repeat twice. Top with the remaining pastry.
4
Decorate and glaze
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix confectioners' sugar, water, almond extract, and the remaining vanilla extract until smooth. Spread over the top. In a heavy saucepan or microwave, melt chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Pipe diagonal lines in one direction over the frosting. Starting 1 inch from the edge of the heart, drag a sharp knife across the piped lines to create a feathered pattern. Refrigerate until set. Refrigerate leftovers.
