Cake Decorating and Chocolate Eclairs....

Well l finally did it, I've taken the plunge and booked myself into a cake decorating class (almost sounded like l was checking into rehab!) I've been wanting to do this for ages, but with a husband that is always travelling it has never been the right time.

I will be doing the course at a cute little cake shop called Merryday, the course will run for six weeks. We will learn how to ganache, roll fondant, stack a cake, make bows and other decorations using fondant, I can't wait!

So on my high l decided to make some Chocolate Eclairs to take to a friends. I usually make them using a recipe from "the essential baking cookbook", but since they recently made them on Master Chef l thought l would give theirs a try. They did not turn out as nice as my usual ones, but that could be because l was tight on time and the kids were trying to chase me around the kitchen.

I will give you both recipes so you can decide for yourself!

Master Chef's Recipe

The Essential Baking Cookbook

125g unsalted butter

1 Cup plain flour sifted

4 Eggs, lightly beaten

300 ml cream whipped

1 tsp Vanilla Essence

2 tblsp icing sugar

150g dark chocolate chop

Pre-heat oven to 210'c

line 2 trays with baking paper

Melt butter and 1 cup of water over low heat, stir occasionally.

Add flour and stir continuously until mixture leaves the side of the pan.

Remove from heat and let it cool, stir it occasionally to let some of the heat escape

Once the mixture is cooled slightly, add 3 tblsp of egg and beat well after each addition until all the egg has been added and is slightly glossy. A wooden spoon should stand upright in the mixture.

Place mixture into a piping bag with a 1.5 cm regular nozzle. Pipe 10 cm lengths leaving room for expansion. Bake for 10-15 mins and then reduce heat to 180'c and bake for a 15 minutes until they have browned.

Whilst cooking whip the cream adding the icing sugar and essence.

Once cooled, cut in half and add cream.

Melt chocolate and spread on top.

Enjoy!

Yx