Monday 24 March 2014

Creative Eclairs Blog Hop!


Hi, you may remember that recently I was lucky enough to interview Ruth Clemens, of The Great British Bake Off fame, here recently. 


Well, I am very pleased to have been asked to take part in a blog hop in connection with Ruth's wonderful new book called Creative Eclairs. This is something very new to me so I really am hoping you like my contribution. You will find all the members of the blog hop listed here on the host website of Stitch Craft Create. 

Check out just how gorgeous the cover is, how inviting does that look?

Ruth Clemens Creative Eclairs book cover 

Here are some images from inside the book to inspire you!

  


















I have been lucky enough to get a sneak preview of the book's yummy contents and have a yet to be released copy to give away to one lucky winner - VERY excited to have my first blog giveaway! To be in with a chance of winning, I ask that you simply comment at the end of this post. All entering posts must be made by midnight on March 31st to be included. I will notify the winner by email.

Good luck to everybody!x


So for the first time, with the help of Ruth, I've been baking choux pastry and I'm sharing my experience with you. I decided to go for a small batch of the mixture as it was my first bash, but I was confident that as long as I followed Ruth's instructions then all would be well.
 
Initially the mixture is a lot like a roux sauce base.
You add the eggs and beat even though it looks like it might be curdling!

I am going to be perfectly honest with you as honestly is always the best policy in my opinion. I had intended to make the allumettes but I do not have a plain nozzle so decided to go for a fluted one and see what happened. It didn't work so I figured the best idea was to go for a woopie-pie inspired creation (hope you don't mind Ruth). 


Not too impressed with my piping but hey ho!
Once out of the oven I was quite happy with them.
I decided to fill them with my home made lemon curd - going for extra Brownie points here as I always use Ruth's recipe, but I add an extra egg and it makes it even yummier. (Again, I hope that is ok with you, Ruth?) And here is the final result. 

  

I was pleasantly surprised with the result and I can safely say I will definitely be making choux again. Thanks Ruth for the very easy directions and tips along the way.


So, I hope you have enjoyed this special blog post and that you will enter my giveaway; the lucky winner will be sent their very own copy as soon as possible!

Don't forget to check the list of other bloggers taking part in the hop, too.

Take care and thanks for stopping by and hope you will visit again soon. x




















20 comments:

  1. Oh these look very yummy indeed and what a wonderful book :)

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  2. They look delicious - well done you!
    Helen (@timewasting)

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  3. I loooove eclairs and these ones look yummy! I've never tried them with lemon curd, sounds good. I think this book will be a must-have; the cover alone is very enticing!

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  4. They look very tasty. What a lovely looking book.

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  5. Yummy, love the look of this book and would love to win it :) Jo. xx

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  6. This book is such a good idea.. so many more varieties than a plain chocolate top and cream filling! I have tried to make eclairs before but they never come out looking this good.. they are so pretty and would be great for tea parties! :-) Katy klp3001@hotmail.co.uk

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  7. Looks very Yummy. Already drilling at the thought of making éclairs never tried making choux pastry so would love to win the book and have a go. The front éclairs look so beautiful a valentine gift for hubby perhaps ;)

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  8. Just checked the cookbook shelf and I don't appear to have a book about eclairs, so I'd love to win this one!

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  9. Thank you for sharing your lovely review on Ruth's eclairs. It sounds like a wonderful book, I'd love to win this :) Thank you for the opportunity and review too x

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  10. You just can't beat a yummy eclair! What a fab book!

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  11. Yummy! I'd love to win the book!

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  12. They look divine, I would love to make a croquembouche, well at least attempt one.

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  13. I love choux pastry so any new ideas with it are always welcome! I would love to win this book x

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  14. I'd never thought to use Lemon Curd with Choux Pastry before! Sounds absolutely amazing - I will have to try it! Would probably work really well with homemade rhubarb curd too! I would love to win the book x

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  15. Scrumptious! I've never made éclairs before so I'm keen to have a go!

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  16. I normally make chocolate or coffee eclairs so would be very interested to try out Ruth's 30 flavours!!!

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  17. These really look delicious and something I have never been brave enough to try so maybe now is the time!

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  18. I really enjoyed the review; Ruths book sounds and looks lovely. My fingers are crossed in hope that I win a copy. sim_lou

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  19. I cant wait to try the recipes in this book as I love Ruths style, all her cakes are Brilliant!

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I am so grateful if you have the time to comment and I will always do my best to respond.x