Ingredients:
- 240ml water
- 115g unsalted butter, cubed
- 5g granulated sugar
- 2g fine sea salt
- 125g all-purpose flour, sifted
- 4 large eggs (approx. 200g), room temperature
- 360ml heavy whipping cream, cold
- 115g cream cheese, softened
- 60g powdered sugar
- 20g freeze-dried strawberry powder
- 200g fresh strawberries, finely diced
Instructions:
- Combine water, butter, sugar, and salt in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until a smooth ball forms and a thin film appears on the bottom of the pan, approximately 2 minutes.
- Transfer the dough (panade) to a bowl. Allow to cool for 5 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition until the dough is glossy and falls off the spoon in a 'V' shape.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pipe 19 mounds onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Use a damp finger to smooth any peaks.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes, then immediately reduce the temperature to 350°F (180°C) and bake for another 15 minutes without opening the oven door.
- While shells cool, whip the heavy cream, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and freeze-dried strawberry powder until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the finely diced fresh strawberries.
- Slice the cooled puffs horizontally and pipe the aerated strawberry cream into the hollow centers. Serve immediately.