When it comes to desserts, eclairs are a beloved classic that never goes out of style. These delicate pastry shells, filled with luscious cream and topped with a glossy chocolate glaze, are the epitome of indulgence.

But what if we told you that you could take this beloved dessert to a whole new level of deliciousness? Enter wood-fired eclairs—a delightful twist on the classic eclair that infuses smoky, rustic flavors into this elegant treat.

In this blog post, we'll explore the magic of wood-fired eclairs and how to make them at home.

Wood-fired cooking has a certain charm and nostalgia attached to it. The crackling of the wood, the scent of smoke in the air, and the primal connection to nature all come together to create a unique and unforgettable cooking experience. It's no wonder that chefs and home cooks alike have been experimenting with wood-fired recipes, from pizzas to vegetables and, yes, even eclairs.

Making wood-fired eclairs is a fun and rewarding process that combines traditional pastry techniques with the rustic charm of outdoor cooking. Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started:

Ingredients:

• For the pastry shells:

  • 1/2 cup water

  • 1/2 cup whole milk

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 4 large eggs

  • A pinch of salt

• For the filling:

  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• For the glaze:

  • 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Prepare the pastry shells: Start by making the choux pastry. In a saucepan, combine water, milk, butter, and salt. Heat over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil. Remove from heat and quickly stir in the flour until a smooth dough forms. Let it cool slightly.

2. Add eggs: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until the dough is smooth and glossy.

3. Pipe and bake: Using a piping bag, pipe the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in your pizza oven near the wood-fired flames, not directly over them, and bake until the eclairs are golden brown and puffed up. (For those using a temperature gun, 450-500 degrees F is the optimal temperature. These will cook fast! Keep an eye on them.) 

4. Prepare the filling: Whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Transfer the mixture into a piping bag.

5. Fill the eclairs: Once the pastry shells have cooled, slice them open horizontally and pipe the cream filling inside.

6. Make the glaze: In a heatproof bowl, melt the chocolate and cream together over indirect heat from the wood fire. Stir until smooth.

7. Glaze the eclairs: Dip the tops of the eclairs into the warm chocolate glaze.

8. Enjoy by the fire: Gather your friends and family around the wood fire, and savor these wood-fired eclairs as the chocolate glaze sets and the flavors meld with the subtle smokiness of the fire.

Wood-fired eclairs are a delightful fusion of elegance and rusticity. They offer a unique and memorable dessert experience that combines the sophistication of a classic eclair with the magic of wood-fired cooking. Whether you make them as a special treat for a gathering or as a way to elevate your outdoor cooking adventures, wood-fired eclairs are sure to be a hit with anyone lucky enough to taste them.

So, embrace the charm of wood-fired cooking and indulge in this delicious twist on a beloved classic.