Sweet profiteroles with crème pâtissière

For the profiteroles, place the water or milk, sugar and butter in a saucepan (omit the sugar for savoury profiteroles). Bring just to a boil. Remove from heat and add all the flour at once, using a wooden spoon to beat in the flour until well combined.

Beat until the mixture forms a ball and comes away from the side of the pan. Set aside to cool.

Gradually add the eggs, 15ml (1 tbsp) at a time, beating well after each addition, until the dough is thick and glossy. (For savoury profiteroles, add the finely chopped herbs at this stage.)

Preheat the oven to 200°C. Line 2 baking trays with a silicon baking mat or non-stick paper. Spoon the mixture into a piping bag with a flat-nosed nozzle. Pipe evenly, about 3cm apart, onto the lined trays.

 Use a wet finger to pat down any peaks of dough. Bake for 20 – 30 minutes or until puffed, crispy and golden brown (time dependent on sizes). Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool.

For the crème pâtissière, warm the milk and vanilla seeds in a saucepan. Whisk the yolks and sugar in a bowl until thick. Whisk in the flour, then the milk mixture. Return to the pan and cook, whisking, over low heat until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Cover the surface with plastic wrap and place in the fridge to chill.

Spoon the crème pâtissière into a piping bag fitted with a 5mm nozzle. Push the nozzle into the base of each profiterole and fill with the crème pâtissière