Vanilla Pastry Cream, or Creme Patissiere, can be used in so many ways. Cream puffs and chocolate eclairs are just the beginning. Purists might insist that, while eclairs are filled with pastry cream and topped with a chocolate glaze, cream puffs (choux chantilly) must be filled with whipped cream and dusted with powdered sugar.
That's how it was when I was growing up. But I lost my taste for chocolate quite a long time ago, so I do a mashup: round and dusted with powdered sugar like a puff, pastry cream like an eclair. I've always made medium size puffs (18 puffs per recipe), but I really should make some tiny ones for my next afternoon tea party.
It's such a breeze making custards, sauces and risottos in the Le Creuset stainless steel sauciers, the 3.5-quart for larger amounts and their new 2-quart for smaller amounts. You can't really whisk in a regular straight-sided saucepan; you have to keep putting the whisk down and using a spoon to "get into the corners."
Le Creuset stainless steel cookware is triple-ply from base to rim, so no hot spots. Each pan has a rim designed for drip-free pouring with either hand. And it's oven proof to 425F/220C/Gas7. This saucier is my new favorite pan. Since I got it, I haven't put it away! I've just left it on the stove because I'm using it for everything!
I'm so excited to be able to offer US readers the opportunity to win one! See below. And come back next week for the choux pastry, Pate a Choux, recipe and to see who won the pan! And, of course, I'd love it if you would share this post on your social media.
Update 04/14/16: The giveaway is now closed.
Vanilla Pastry Cream - Creme Patissiere
(Makes 4 cups)
2 1/2 cups milk, divided
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 to 3/4 cup sugar (I like 1/2)
1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 to 3/4 cup sugar (I like 1/2)
1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 In heavy saucepan (I use the Le Creuset Stainless Steel 2-Quart Saucier), heat 2 cups milk and cream to just below a simmer. You'll see a skin forming and the milk wiggling under the surface.
2 In 2-quart bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, cornstarch and salt. Whisk in egg yolks and remaining 1/2 cup cold milk. Gradually whisk in the hot milk. Use an electric hand mixer if you like.
3 Pour the mixture back into the saucepan (or saucier) and cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly (slowly at first, then speeding up as the custard thickens), until the custard gets very, very thick and holds the whisk marks. Pay close attention; if you get distracted for a second, you can end up with bits of scrambled egg in your custard.
4 Remove from heat, and stir in butter and vanilla extract. If you have any lumps of egg, place a fine-mesh strainer over a 1.5-quart bowl, and press pastry cream through it to ensure a perfectly smooth custard. Cover surface of custard with a round of parchment paper cut to fit the bowl. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate to chill.
5 Just before using, whisk the pastry cream a few times. And, if you'd like to "lighten" it up with whipped cream as I did with the cream puff pictured, just whip 1 cup of cream to soft peaks and fold it into the whisked pastry cream.
![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_szStvO2GtDccelVRGqA7ijBPd5MPKFfb2b7eTwSivICavU4IpRtHx58vhCeUQek9e8l2LaILcaBiSrN1Zx_IhxVDZ-zFj8UJ4bTQ115xpGtD2tOL0e-Axh9j0wshSePK92at247VxGb24c5gOoXWfFntxwvyNW=s0-d)
5 Just before using, whisk the pastry cream a few times. And, if you'd like to "lighten" it up with whipped cream as I did with the cream puff pictured, just whip 1 cup of cream to soft peaks and fold it into the whisked pastry cream.
Le Creuset® Stainless Steel Saucier Giveaway
This giveaway is open to US residents (Sorry, international friends!) 18 years of age or older. Leave a comment below (one entry per person, plus see below for ways to get up to two bonus entries). First comment should be about the first thing you'll make in your saucier. Please include your email address in the body of your comment. Must enter by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time Wednesday April 13.
Winner will be chosen by random drawing and be announced here in the comments before noon Eastern time on Thursday April 14. If I don't hear back from the winner of the random drawing by noon Eastern time Sunday April 17, another drawing will be held and a new winner selected from the original entrants (those who commented before the giveaway deadline).
For up to two bonus entries (each in a separate comment):
- follow Le Creuset on Twitter and leave comment below with your Twitter name. (Must include Twitter name!)
- follow Delightful Repast on Twitter and leave comment below with your Twitter name. (Must include Twitter name!)
Disclosure: Le Creuset provided a saucier for review purposes and one for the giveaway. The views expressed here are entirely my own. I always tell my readers what I really think!
147 comments:
What beautiful photos and recipe!
I had forgotten that I used to make cream puffs and such...how silly of me!
Well, goodness this is all just too delightful and I would just love the chance to win this.
Thank you so much!
Happy Thursday and thank you for joining us today at Thoughts Of Home On Thursday!
Jemma
Jemma, thank you. Isn't it funny how different foods just seem to "fall out of our rotation" until something reminds us! Hope you'll make some soon.
Thanks for the recipe! It looks delicious!
Jean, it was so nice to meet you over on my blog, thank you for entering the GIVEAWAY for Kristy's book! These cream puffs look delicious, and while I love my Le Creuset cast iron pans, I've never used their stainless pans, I love it! The Le Creuset quality is so wonderful, I've never met one of their pans I didn't love to cook in! What a thrill it will be for whoever wins this, a great pan makes all the difference in cooking! xo Lidy
Thanks, Lisa. I hope you'll try it soon and let me know how it turns out for you.
Lidy, thanks so much. I was delighted to discover your blog today and look forward to visiting it again very soon! Glad to find another Le Creuset fan as well.
All I can say is, "Yum!" Your cream puff looks amazing! I have never made them and I don't know why. Thanks for the inspiration and thank you for sharing. Have a beautiful day.
Blessings,
Sandi
Sandi, I hope you'll make them soon. They really are wonderful. When my English grandmother made her rounds to her children's homes throughout the year, she always made these and they've never been forgotten by her grandchildren!
You have me crave for some cream puffs with pastry cream! An excellent recipe, Jean.
Thanks, Angie! I'm craving them, too, and will be making another batch very soon.
I would estimate that 80% of our meals are cooked on the stove top. With the pan being stainless, I would use this for recipes that I can't really use a non-stick pan for, particularly anything that requires a whisk. I think gravy would be one of the first things I would make.
I follow Le Creuset on twitter as @1froglegs
I follow you on twitter as @1froglegs
The first thing i would make would be some yummy chicken fettuccine alfredo! thanks for the chance to win! my email is alicia.szemon@hotmail.com
Yes, perfect for gravy, 1froglegs!
Alicia, I love chicken fettuccine alfredo, but not just plain fettuccine alfredo, gotta have the chicken!
Thank you for sharing at SYC!
I follow Le Creuset on twitter @TheHippieHut
I also follow you on twitter @TheHippieHut. Thanks for the chance!
These look like I have to make them next week :)
Anne's Attic, thank you!
Brenda, I hope you will make them. Pastry recipe next week. Maybe you'll be able to make them in the pan!
Cream puffs were always one of my late beloved's favorite desserts that I made. Once I made them into swans for our annniversary, and they turned out cute. I have to admit that I only have a small saucier and would love the Le Crueset saucier. I would definitely be making your pastry cream!
Kitty, I bet those swans were cute! I don't get that fancy, though, I just plop the dough on the baking sheet, and that's that!
That sounds good, Peter!
Your cream puffs are beautiful. Lost your taste for chocolate!? I didn't know that was possible! :)
The pot would be one of my favorites, too.
I follow LeCreuset on twitter @rusthawk.
I follow you on twitter @rusthawk.
Some ginger syrup for springier smoothies. Thanks for the giveaway! p.s. forgot to enter my email.
Rusthawk, thanks! And, yes, it IS possible to lose one's taste for chocolate, though it probably doesn't happen too often. I'm the only one I know!
Oh - that pot is gorgeoue! Love love love it. I already follow you on Twitter (I'm @hopeclark) and I just followed Le Creuset (also @hopeclark)
Hope, good to hear from you! It IS a gorgeous little pan! Hope all is well with you and the chickens! :D
Hope Clark -- Twitter follow Delightful Repast
Hope Clark -- Twitter follow Le Creuset
Leslie:
In an effort to eat more healthfully, I often have oatmeal for supper. This looks like a good pan for that.
leslieannstevenson@yahoo.com
I love cream puff and eclairs but I never thought of cream puffs as cookies and I was surprised to not see the link up in your post for Fill the Cookie Jar where you added this post.
Leslie, yes, it is a great pan for oatmeal (I know because we eat oatmeal nearly every day!).
Anonymous, the cream puffs and eclairs recipe is coming next week. This recipe is for just the pastry cream, something that people can also use for custard-filled cookies.
I'm always so delighted when I come and visit you here, dearest Jean, you always leave me in awe, your recipes are truly wondrous !
Sorry for the Giveaway, it sounds so interesting ... I have to come and live in the USA {{smiles}}
Enjoy your weekend, sweetest friend,
sending love to you, with so much gratitude
Dany
Thank you, dear Dany! And I'm sorry the giveaway is not open to my readers outside the US. Some of my giveaways are, though, so you'll be able to enter some!
Hi Jean. Le Creuset pans bring back a few memories. The original pans were made with an orange lacquered exterior I think.
When Marilyn was at university she studied history. The French Revolution was a subject she covered in detail. We used to pop over to Paris quite often and stay in cheep hotels in, lets say, some of the rougher areas of Paris. Marilyn loved visiting all the small museums and galleries dedicated to the Revolution. I remember one day going into a small store in Place de la Bastille and seeing a whole range of cookery pots and pans and we bought a ceramic cooking pot, not Le Creuset though. They were very expensive in those days and we were students. We still have the pot. Now, as for chocolate eclairs, I could die for a chocolate eclair. Ha! Ha! (The guillotine is very swift.)
Tony, Le Creuset started long ago with the orange (called "flame") enameled exterior and now have all sorts of colors, but I still love the flame. What lovely memories of Paris you and Marilyn have!
Jean this is such a wonderful opportunity! I have a Le Creuset Dutch oven and I love it!
Your post is such a happy addition to Thoughts of Home on Thursday. Thank you SO much for sharing the joy.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Thank YOU, Laura! It's my pleasure to share these wonderful things with my readers. Wishing you a wonderful weekend, too!
Marilyn, you are too kind! :-) Thanks very much; your pins and shares and comments are soooo appreciated.
Hi Jean,
The first thing I'll make will likely be a white sauce of some kind. I use this in a variety of recipes. Here's my recipe: http://www.ahhthesimplelife.com/white-sauce-wizardry/.
My email address: carol.preibis@gmail.com,
Thanks,
Carol
I've followed Le Creuset on Twitter. My Twitter name is @ahthesimplelife.
My email address is carol.preibis@gmail.com
I've followed Delightful Repast on Twitter. My Twitter name is @ahthesimplelife.
My email address is carol.preibis@gmail.com
Carol, I'll check that out. Many sauces start with a white sauce. I make a lot of sauces because my husband doesn't like just a plain unadorned steak or chop.
Hi Jean, Happy Weekend. Such a lovely giveaway. John and I eat oatmeal just about every morning; this pan seems good for that although I would love to have your cream puffs! Tiny ones for tea time would be so sweet. I was thinking of you earlier today while editing photos of my cat. You always seem to enjoy the cat pictures!
My husband loves cream puffs ... this I am going to have to try! What a neat pan ... certainly would take care of the "stuck in the corner" problem.
I've followed Le Creuset on Twitter.
I've followed Delightful Repast on Twitter. My Twitter name is @SherryTCOH.
My email address is thecharmofhome@yahoo.com
Thank you, Mildred! And, yes, I do so love your cat photos! Cats are simply the most wonderful animal.
Ann, so good to hear from you! It's been a while! Hope you are both well.
Sherry, love The Charm of Home!
Hello Jean~~ Had you not come for a visit I may have never found you, and what a delicious blog you have! I had to follow along with you, especially after seeing those cream puffs, oooh those are my ultimate favorite little desserts.
As a child I would always choose a cream puff when mother took us to the bakery.
Your give-away is gorgeous, and I'm sure it would cook up a delicious cream sauce.
Joy!
Debbie
Annyeong. Thank you very much for dropping by my little blog. These cream puffs look so delicious! They made me drool. You are talented.
Debbie, thank you so much! Cream puffs are luscious, and they always remind me of the wonderful times when my English grandmother came to stay and she and my mother would make all sorts of cream puffs and eclairs. Of course, they also made some stuff I'd rather forget, like steak and kidney pie!
Ann, you are so kind! Once you make these, you will be amazed at how easy they are!
Goodness, Jean! There goes my diet. ;)
These look absolutely sinful, and so worth it! Delightful!
Thanks, PP! You know I always aim for Delightful! :D
I follow Le Creuset on Twitter.
@rubylorikeet
I follow Delightful Repast on Twitter.
@rubylorikeet
Thanks, Kristen!
I think this would be perfect for making homemade oatmeal!
demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com
Ash, it IS! We eat oatmeal nearly every single morning.
I haven't made cream puffs in years. Thank you for the inspiration. I'd make cream puffs and serve them filled with gelato and topped with chocolate sauce.
I follow Le Creuset on twitter @amylou61 . Sorry I forgot to type my email in my first comment.
aleach6179 (AT) gmail (DOT) com
I follow you on twitter @amylou61
Amy, that sounds wonderful! We like gelato.
This looks like a good pan for some Indian dishes I've been making lately.
lbacher at gmail
I already follow you on twitter - @lindsayinmpls
Lindsay, I need to try more Indian dishes!
My mother always made the best cream puffs and they were always requested when she was attending a function. I love the pan and I believe I will make your recipe in it!
I followed you on Twitter. My twitter name is @grandmapam01
pamshank@hotmail.com
I followed LeCreuset on twitter
@grandmapam01
pamshank@hotmail.com
Pamela, they were probably your mom's most requested item because, besides being so good, everyone thinks they're so hard to make! I'll be blogging the dough next week, and then the secret (how easy they are) will be out! :D
Follow Le Creuset on Twitter @sweep1s
elena150980 at yahoo dot com
Follow you on Twitter @sweep1s
elena150980 at yahoo dot com
Thanks, Elena!
Okay, now I'm hungry and it's past midnight.
I just pinned your recipe and I think I am going to give it a whirl tomorrow.
The first thing I would make in the pan is breakfast, our morning oatmeal. My favorite lately has been with diced apples, raisins, candied pecans, cinnamon, nutmeg and a drizzle of maple syrup.
jlammers002 at woh dot rr dot com
I follow Le Creuset on Twitter with the handle @FireRunner2379.
jlammers002 at woh dot rr dot com
I follow you on Twitter with the handle @FireRunner2379.
jlammers002 at woh dot rr dot com
Carol, thank you. And do, please, let me know how it turns out for you.
FireRunner, that sounds really good. I always have my oatmeal stone plain!
The first thing I would make in the lovely saucier is the recipe you provided today. - is it the same pastry cream used for trifles? My birthday is the 14th so it would be very exciting if Charulie@msn.com was the winner of the saucier.
Oops...I should have mentioned my name is Julie. I'm new to posting comments. Charulie @msn.com
Julie, thanks! Yes, you can use the pastry cream for trifle. Be sure to look up my recipe for individual trifles.
I think I would take some of the lovely Meyer lemons off my in-laws tree and make some lemon curd. A nice lemony tart would be lovely in the warm weather.
I follow Le Creuset on twitter (@tinawoo21)
Ohh, Tina, you're speaking my language -- I love lemon curd!
I follow Delightful Repast on twitter (@tinawoo21)
My husband would love to have home made cream puffs but since I don't eat them I buy him one from the bakery now and then for a treat. Le Creuset makes very durable cook ware of which my daughter has a few but my stainless steel pots are from Paderno in PEI, Canada. I sure like reading and trying some of your recipes Jean.
Judith, thank you. And I'm going to enjoy reading about your garden through the summer months! I'm afraid, so far anyway, I'm just going to be an armchair gardener this season.
This looks wonderful! Making this, is on my MUST TRY list!
I follow on twitter @savvyinkitchen
I follow Le Creuset on twitter @savvyinkitchen
Thanks, Dina! Be sure to come back Thursday for the choux pastry.
Pastry cream is one of my most favorite things! I also love LeCreuset. Thank you for sharing. #HomeMattersParty
Thank *you*, Kim!
Pasrty cream looks delicious Jean, Lovely pot, Thanks for sharing with Hearth and soul blog hop, tweeting, pinning.
Oh YUM!! I want to make that cream!!!! What a perfect pan! DandeeRose@gmail.com
Swathi, thank you so much, my sweet bloggy friend!
Thanks, Alicia. I hope you'll try it soon and let me know how it turned out for you. And I really do think it is a perfect pan!
What beautiful cream puffs! I love your recipe for Vanilla Pastry Cream - it's such a classic! Le Creuset are my favourite pans and their stainless steel is just amazing. Wish I could enter but as I can't, I'm sharing so that my US friends can! Thank you for sharing this great giveaway and delicious recipe with the Hearth and Soul Hop, Jean.
April, thank you so much for sharing. Much appreciated!
I would make this Vanilla Pastry Cream! I have been wanting to make cram puffs for a while now!!!
I follow Le Creuset via twitter! @linzaleetus
I follow you via twitter @linzaleetus
Jean, that does look like a wonderfully useful pot. After reading your recipe for the pastry cream, I will have to try it with that pot or with one of mine! Can't wait for next week's recipes to make the up whole recipe together!
Thank you for the post!
Love,
Lily
Lindsay, I hope you'll like them as much as we do! I'm making another batch tomorrow!
Lily, I'm so glad you're going to try them! Do let me know how they turn out for you and let me know if you have any questions.
OMG I need this. I follow Le Creuset on Twitter. My name is @KeriEjustice.
I follow you on Twitter as well! @KeriEjustice
And I'm so trying your recipe!
I am making this first if I win this amazing pan! I loooooove cream puffs. Do you think you could add cocoa and make it a chocolate pastry cream? Would love to try both.
Kjustice47@gmail.com
It looks amazing! This would be a good way for me to use up some chicken eggs. I have way too many building up right now.
Keri, you will LOVE this pan! And, yes, whisk about 1/3 to 1/2 cup natural unsweetened cocoa with the sugar and starches for chocolate pastry cream. I think I'd try it with 1/3 cup the first time.
Lisa, thank you. And you made me laugh with the "too many building up right now." I know if I had chickens, I'd be a slave to their production rate! :D
Ooh this looks so good! Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Thanks, Cindy! I'm making more today!
Jean, I am thrilled to have this recipe! I am much more a vanilla person than chocolate and this is one of my favorite fillings. Oh to own a piece Le Creusett! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
Jann, thanks so much (and for hosting SYC)! There are a few of us who prefer vanilla over chocolate. This is my favorite pan ever!
Although I love chocolate, it's absolutely not necessary to my happiness. So this totally speaks to me. Lovely recipe -- and the photos are amazing. Thanks so much!
Thank you so much, KR! Means a lot coming from an accomplished cook and food photog like you!
Your cream puffs look amazing! Can't wait to try this recipe! Though I'm thinking the first thing I'd make would be some chicken florentine
I follow Le Creuset on twitter (@yellbell889)
I follow you on twitter (@yellbell889)
Thanks, Danyelle! And you can use my pate a choux for savory as well as sweet puffs. Would love the chicken florentine!
*Giveaway Winner Announced* - The winner of the Le Creuset saucier, by random drawing, is Julie (Charulie). Julie, as soon as you send me, delightfulrepast at aol dot com, your name, address and phone number (required by shipper), Le Creuset will ship the pan to you. Congratulations!
If I don't hear from the winner of the random drawing by 11:59 am Eastern time Sunday, April 17, another drawing will be held and new winner selected from among the original entrants (those who commented before the giveaway deadline).
This was fun! Watch for more giveaways here at Delightful Repast! In the meantime, follow me on Google and Twitter. You can even use the Follow Me By Email button in the right column.
Alas, when they passed out subtle and nuanced tastebuds, I was out of town. Creampuffs are like a gateway drug to get me to éclairs where the filling gobsmacks you with its sweetness. Yes, crass is the word to describe my tastes. That said, I believe you got the excess of what I missed. Airiness and dryness with a molecule of sugar is what I get from a creampuff. The antonym (if not antidote) would be a Krispy Kreme vanilla donut (DoNot, if your tastes run to creampuffs), preferably where the pastry chef pounded on the south end of the cream injector to get a double dose inside the thick, chewy shell (a.k.a. sponge-for-grease). I hang my head in shame...
Yes, Sully, hang your head in shame. :D I wash my hands of you! No, you may yet develop more "subtle and nuanced tastebuds." I'm not giving up on you.
Okay, I will! I have some strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries I want to use. Thanks!
That will be delicious, Julie!
I'm so delighted you stopped by The Marmelade Gypsy, Jean, and equally delighted to discover your blog! This looks like a wonderful recipe and I have a feeling it will be perfect for our make-and-take tea next month!
Awesome. Thanks for the tips!! 😍
Thank you, Jeanie. I'm going to want to hear more about the make-and-take tea! I love teas!
Anytime, Keri! Happy to help.
Can't tell you how delicious that looks! They are so elegant, but pretty easy...even for me! Thanks for linking this to Tuesday Cuppa Tea!
Ruth
Thank you, Ruth. Elegant, easy, and ohsogood with tea!
Sorry I missed out on the giveaway. (It is been an incredibly busy time at work… And I am way behind on reading all my blogs!) That said, I really needed the pastry cream recipe much more than I needed the sauce pan! Thank you for that, Jean!
You are so welcome, David! I hope you'll enjoy the recipe. Like me, you probably have quite a few pans!
My goodness- that looks absolutely delicious. My Nana would LOVE that! This is so awesome of you to give us this opportunity! The first thing I would make would be a homemade chicken and rice dish!
starla.bates@ yahooDOTcom
Starla, how I wish you'd found this post sooner! Unfortunately, the giveaway is now closed. But I do great giveaways several times a year, so come back soon. I post just once a week, so I'm easy to follow!
I love the idea of adding the whipped cream at the end to lighten it up. I remember when I would make cream puffs, I always enjoyed the lighter fillings more than the custard ones.
BRnLC, you'd probably really like them filled with the stabilized whipped cream. Be sure to check out that post -- that stuff is magic!
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