Plateau Cygne Pâtisseries Aériennes (Printer View)

Delicate airy French choux pastries with creamy vanilla Chantilly, adorned with fresh berries and edible flowers.

# What you'll need:

→ Choux Pastry

01 - 1/2 cup water
02 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, diced
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/2 teaspoon sugar
05 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
06 - 2 large eggs

→ Vanilla Chantilly Cream

07 - 1 cup heavy cream, cold
08 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
09 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Garnishes & Assembly

10 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting)
11 - Fresh berries (raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries), optional
12 - Edible flowers, optional
13 - Mint leaves, optional

# Method:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line two baking trays with parchment paper.
02 - In a saucepan, combine water, butter, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
03 - Remove from heat and add flour all at once. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides.
04 - Return the pan to low heat, stirring continuously for 1 to 2 minutes to dry the dough slightly.
05 - Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl. Beat in eggs one at a time until smooth and glossy.
06 - Fill a piping bag fitted with a plain large tip with choux pastry. Pipe 12 small ovals approximately 2.5 inches long for the swan bodies and 12 small S-shaped necks onto the prepared trays.
07 - Bake the bodies for 25 minutes until golden and firm. Bake the necks for 10 to 12 minutes. Cool completely.
08 - Whisk heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
09 - Slice the top third off each choux body. Cut the tops in half lengthwise to form wings. Pipe Chantilly cream onto each choux base. Insert an S-shaped neck and arrange the wing pieces on either side to resemble a swan.
10 - Dust with powdered sugar. Garnish the platter with fresh berries, edible flowers, and mint leaves as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Delicate choux pastry creates a light, airy texture perfect for elegant presentation.
  • Vanilla Chantilly cream adds luscious flavor and smooth richness.
  • Beautiful swan shapes bring a playful and sophisticated touch.
  • Ideal for festive gatherings, afternoon teas, or special occasions.
02 -
  • Use room temperature eggs to incorporate better into the batter.
  • Pipe choux pastry with a steady hand to form uniform swan shapes.
  • Bake separately: bodies longer than necks to ensure perfect texture for each.
  • Chill cream thoroughly before whipping to stiff peaks for best hold.
  • Dust pastries just before serving to maintain the fresh look.
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