Jumping for Easter Joy and Eclairs

Now that Spring is here (if you believe that, I have a Sony Walkman to sell you), our favorite activity with the grandkids is jumping on the trampoline.  We had all the kiddos over on Saturday for a barbecue and a wet Easter egg hunt!

The beginning of the hunt.

It was a success.  I'm sure we'll be discovering un-found eggs for the next few weeks.

I went to the Taste of Home cooking school last week.  One of the recipes featured was this one for eclairs.  It's super simple and delicious!

Pastry

1 cup water 

1/2 cup butter, cubed

1 cup flour

1/2 tsp. salt

4 eggs

Filling

2 1/2 cups cold milk

1 package (5.1 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Frosting

2 ounces semisweet chocolate or 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

2 Tablespoons butter

1 1/4 cups powdered sugar

2 to 3 Tablespoons hot water

♥In a large saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil.  

Add flour and salt all at once and stir until a smooth ball forms.  Remove from heat.  Let stand for 5 minutes.  Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Continue beating until mixture is smooth and shiny.

♥Using a tablespoon or a gallon size zip-lock bag with the corner cut...

...form dough into 4 inch x 1 1/2 inch strips on a greased baking sheet.  

Bake at 400 degrees for 35 minutes or until puffed and golden.  Remove to a wire rack.  Split eclairs open.  Cool

♥In a large bowl, beat milk and pudding mix according to package directions.  In another bowl, whip cream until soft peaks form.  Beat in sugar and vanilla, fold into pudding. Fill eclairs.

♥For frosting, in a microwave, melt chocolate and butter; stir until smooth.  Stir in sugar and enough hot water to achieve a smooth consistency.  Cool slightly.  Frost eclairs.  Store in refrigerator.

Enjoy!  Have a napkin handy.