for Lemon Cream Puffs with Mascarpone Filling

★Ingredients

For the Cream Puffs:

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup water

1 cup all-purpose flour

4 large eggs

For the Mascarpone Filling:

8 ounces mascarpone cheese

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Zest of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons lemon juice

For the Lemon Glaze (optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice

★Instructions

Make the Cream Puffs:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Dough: In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Add the flour all at once and stir vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
3. Add Eggs: Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth and shiny.
4. Pipe or Scoop Dough: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip, or use a spoon to drop rounded tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
5. Bake: Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and crisp. Turn off the oven and let the puffs cool inside the oven with the door slightly open.

Make the Mascarpone Filling:

1. Whip Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Beat until smooth and thickened.
2. Chill: Refrigerate the filling until ready to use.

Assemble the Cream Puffs:

1. Cut Puffs: Once the cream puffs are completely cool, use a sharp knife to cut them in half horizontally.
2. Fill Puffs: Spoon or pipe the mascarpone filling into the bottom halves of the cream puffs, then replace the top halves.

Optional Lemon Glaze:

1. Mix Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice if needed.
2. Drizzle: Drizzle the glaze over the filled cream puffs.

Serve:

• Enjoy!