Cream Puff Christmas Tree

In the NutriGuide test kitchen, Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas refined this classic Cream Puff Christmas Tree to celebrate vibrant, wholesome ingredients. By prioritizing aromatic layering and precise thermal control, this recipe achieves remarkable culinary depth while preserving natural micronutrients and wholesome texture.

At NutriGuide, our mission is to ensure that home cooking is both accessible and culinary-grade. When executing Cream Puff Christmas Tree, focus on fresh aromatics, dry surface contact for proper searing, and allowing the food to rest before serving.

• (PICTURED BELOW)
• sandra gifford, bridgeton, new jersey
• I’ve been cooking up a Cream Puff Christmas Tree
• regularly for more than 50 years now, and it
• always receives the same enthusiastic reaction
• from friends and family.
• 1-1/4 cups water
• 2/3 cup butter
• 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 5 eggs
• FILLING:
• 2-1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon rum extract, optional
• ICING:
• 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1/4 to 1/3 cup half-and-half cream
• Green liquid or paste food coloring, optional
• Red candied cherries, optional

Chef's Sourcing & Quality Tips:

• Produce & Aromatics: Always use fresh whole aromatics and seasonal herbs rather than dehydrated powders when possible.
• Cooking Oils: Utilize cold-pressed oils with appropriate smoke points such as extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
• Salt & Seasoning: Season from a modest height above the pan to ensure an even, uniform crystalline dispersion.

Follow these sequential steps with careful attention to sensory cues and cooking temperatures:

Step 1: Technique & Execution

Additional confectioners’ sugar, optional 1 In a large saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil over medium heat

Step 2: Technique & Execution

Add flour and salt; stir until a smooth ball forms

Step 3: Technique & Execution

Remove from the heat; let stand for 5 minutes

Step 4: Technique & Execution

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition

Step 5: Technique & Execution

Continue beating until the mixture is smooth and shiny. 2 Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 in. apart onto greased baking sheets. (You will need about 62 puffs to make the tree.) Use a moistened finger to smooth any peaks. 3 Bake at 400° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown

Step 6: Technique & Execution

Transfer to wire racks to cool. 4 For filling, in a large mixing bowl, beat cream until soft peaks form