Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, cubed1 cup water1 cup all-purpose flour1/4 teaspoon salt4 large eggsFILLING:2-1/2 cups cold whole milk1 package (5.1 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix1 cup heavy whipping cream1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar1 teaspoon vanilla extractCHOCOLATE ICING:2 ounces semisweet chocolate2 tablespoons butter1 cup confectioners’ sugar2 to 3 tablespoons hot water
Preparation
In a large saucepan, combine butter and water. Bring to a rapid boil, stirring until the butter melts. Reduce heat to low; add flour and salt. Stir vigorously until mixture leaves the sides of the pan and forms a stiff ball. Remove from the heat. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
With a tablespoon or a pastry tube fitting with a no. 10 or larger tip, spoon or pipe dough into 4-in.-long x 1-1/2-in.-wide strips on a greased baking sheet.
Bake at 450° for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 325° bake 20 minutes longer. Cool on a wire rack.
For filling, in a large bowl, whisk milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes. Let stand for 2 minutes or until soft-set. In another large bowl, whip cream until soft peaks form. Beat in sugar and vanilla; fold into pudding. Fill cooled shells. (Chill remaining pudding mixture for another use.)
For icing, melt chocolate and butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in sugar. Add hot water until icing is smooth and reaches desired consistency. Cool slightly. Spread over eclairs. Chill until serving.
