Triple Chocolate Cream Puffs

Name: Triple Chocolate Cream Puffs
Yield: 24
Ingredients: 1 recipe Basic Chocolate Cream Puff Shells (see below); 2 cups whipping cream; ½ cup milk; 1 (3.9-ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix; 1 ½ tbsp instant espresso powder (optional); ½ cup whipping cream; &frac23; cup dark chocolate chips

A rich whipped cream filling flavored with instant chocolate pudding mix allows these puffs to hold their shapes when made ahead.

Makes 24 servings

Ingredients

1 recipe Basic Chocolate Cream Puff Shells (see below)
2 cups whipping cream
½ cup milk
1 (3.9-ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
1 ½ tbsp instant espresso powder (optional)
½ cup whipping cream
⅔ cup dark chocolate chips

Directions

First, make Basic Chocolate Cream Puff Shells (see below) and set aside.
To make filling, in a large bowl use whisk attachment of electric mixer to beat 2 cups whipping cream, milk, pudding mix and, if desired, espresso powder on low speed to combine. Beat on medium speed until stiff peaks form, about 2 minutes, scraping sides and bottom of bowl as necessary to blend ingredients. Cover and chill at least 20 minutes.
To make ganache, in a small saucepan heat ½ cup cream over medium heat until boiling. Remove from heat. Pour over chocolate chips in a medium bowl; let stand 1 minute. Stir until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth. Set aside.
To assemble, spoon or pipe 2½ tablespoons filling into shell bottoms. Place tops over filling. Spoon ½ tablespoon ganache over each cream puff. (If ganache hardens before use, gently melt by heating in microwave for 5-second intervals; stir until smooth.) Assembled puffs may be chilled in a covered container for up to 3 hours before serving.

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