French Puffs (windbeutel) Recipe

French Puffs, also known as windbeutel, are a classic French pastry that originated in the 16th century. These delightful puffs are made from a choux pastry dough, which results in a light and airy texture. The name "windbeutel" comes from the German language, where "wind" means "air" and "beutel" means "bag". The name perfectly captures the essence of these puffs - airy and delicate, resembling little bags filled with flavor.

To begin making French Puffs, you will need the following ingredients:

- 1 cup of water
- 1/4 pound (1 stick) of unsalted butter
- 1/4 pound (1 cup) of all-purpose flour, sifted
- 4 large eggs
- Grated peel of 1 lemon
- Rendered butter for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting

Now, let's dive into the step-by-step process of making these delightful treats:

1. In a saucepan, bring the water and butter to a boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally to make sure the butter melts completely.

2. Once the mixture reaches a rolling boil, add the sifted flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture comes together and starts to leave the sides of the pan. This process should take about 1-2 minutes.

3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the dough cool slightly. You want it to be milk-warm before adding the eggs.

4. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl. Add them one at a time to the dough, stirring well after each addition. The dough might look like it's separating, but keep stirring until it all comes back together. The final dough should be smooth and shiny.

5. Add the grated peel of a lemon to the dough and mix it in. This will give the French Puffs a delightful citrusy aroma and flavor.

6. Heat some rendered butter in a kettle or deep frying pan over medium heat. The amount of butter should be enough to make sure the puffs don't stick.

7. To test if the butter is hot enough, dip a large teaspoon in cold water and then cut a piece of dough with it (about the size of a walnut). Drop the dough into the hot butter. If it bubbles and quickly turns golden brown, the butter is ready.

8. Drop the remaining dough into the hot butter, one piece at a time. Be careful not to crowd the pan, as the French Puffs need room to puff up while frying. Fry them until they turn a deep yellow color, flipping them over once to ensure even cooking.

9. Once the French Puffs are cooked, remove them from the pan using a slotted spoon. Let them drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.

10. To finish off the French Puffs, generously sprinkle powdered sugar over them. You can even sift the sugar through a fine-mesh sieve for a more even coating.

Now, it's time to enjoy your homemade French Puffs! These light, airy treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful snack with a cup of tea or coffee. The lemon zest adds a refreshing twist, making each bite a burst of flavor.

Fun Fact: French Puffs are often served with a variety of fillings and toppings. Classic options include whipped cream, pastry cream, or fruit preserves. You can try experimenting with different fillings to create your own unique variation of this delicious pastry.

Similar to French Puffs, other choux pastry-based dishes include cream puffs, profiteroles, and éclairs. These treats are all made from the same basic dough but have different shapes and fillings. Cream puffs are typically filled with sweetened whipped cream or pastry cream and are often served with a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Profiteroles are smaller versions of cream puffs and are often filled with ice cream and topped with chocolate ganache. Éclairs, on the other hand, are long, rectangular pastries filled with creamy custard and topped with a glossy chocolate glaze.

So, whether you're a fan of French Puffs or any other choux pastry delight, these treats are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your family and friends.