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Strawberry and gin eclairs

Strawberry and gin eclairs
British strawberries and Irresistible gin are the perfect combo in this summery version of a classic pastry
Serves 18  / 
Prep 1 Hour and 10 Minutes  / 
Cook 20 Minutes

Ingredients

100g Coop plain flour 1 tsp Fairtrade icing sugar, plus extra to decorate 75g unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing 75ml semi-skimmed milk 3 free range eggs, beaten FOR THE FILLING: 400ml double cream 4 tbsp elderflower cordial 3 tbsp Coop Irresistible London dry gin 125g Coop Irresistible strawberry & Champagne conserve 200g Coop British strawberries, cut into quarters;

Method

1. Combine the flour and sugar. Put the butter, milk and 100ml cold water in a pan 2. Heat gently to melt the butter, then slowly bring to the boil 3. Off the heat, quickly add the flour and sugar, whisking with a handheld electric whisk until the dough comes away from the sides of the pan 4. Leave to cool for 10 mins, then gradually add the egg, whisking well between each addition, until glossy, with a dropping consistency (you might not need all the egg) 5. Preheat the oven to 220°C/fan 200°C/Gas 7 6. Grease 2 large baking trays and sprinkle with a little water 7. Transfer the dough to a large piping bag fitted with a 1.5cm plain nozzle and pipe éclairs, about 8-10cm in length, onto the trays 8. Put in the oven and immediately reduce the heat to 200°C/fan 180°C/Gas 6 9. Bake for 20 mins until risen, then, using a serrated knife, carefully split each éclair horizontally 10. Replace on the trays, (cut-side up) and bake for 5 mins or until crisp. Transfer to a wire rack until cool For the filling: 1. Put the cream in a bowl with 3 tbsp of the cordial and 2 tbsp of the gin 2. Whisk until thick, then cover and chill 3. Put the conserve in a pan with the remaining cordial and gin. Heat gently, stirring until smooth, then bring to a simmer 4. Turn off the heat. Put the berries in a heatproof bowl, pour the hot jam mix on top. Set aside to cool completely 5. To assemble, spoon the cream into a large piping bag fitted with a 1.5 cm star nozzle 6. Pipe into the bottom half of each éclair 7. Top with the strawberries, spoon over a little jam syrup, then sandwich together 8. Serve with a dust icing sugar