Choux

Definition

A paste made from butter, water, flour, and eggs that puffs dramatically when baked—the foundation for éclairs, profiteroles, and other showoff pastries. It's magic disguised as cooking.

Example Usage

We piped the choux pastry onto baking sheets and baked until golden and hollow.

Origin

French, from 'chou' meaning 'cabbage' (the puffs supposedly resemble small cabbages)

Fun Fact

Choux relies on steam to puff, not baking powder—the water in the dough creates the lift.

Source: Classical French pastry technique

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