Choux Buns, a little history and a lot of fun
Choux buns, also known as cream puffs or profiteroles, are a classic French pastry that has become popular all around the world. The delicate pastry shell is made from choux pastry, a dough that is boiled before it is baked, resulting in a light, hollow shell that is perfect for filling with sweet or savoury ingredients. Below, we'll explore the history of the choux bun, modern-day versions, and how it can elevate any event from a wedding, garden party to a product launch.
History of Choux Buns
The origins of choux pastry can be traced back to the 16th century in France, where it was used to make savoury dishes such as gougeres, small cheese puffs. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that the choux pastry was transformed into a sweet dessert when a pastry chef named Jean Avice piped it into small, round shapes, filled them with cream and coated them in delicious caramel.
Since then, choux buns have become a staple in French patisseries and bakeries, with many different variations and flavours. In the 20th century, choux buns gained popularity in other countries, particularly in the USA, where they were often filled with ice cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce.
Modern Day Versions
Choux buns come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from bite-sized puffs to larger éclairs. They can be filled with sweet fillings such as pastry cream, whipped cream, or flavored ganache, or savoury fillings such as cheese or smoked salmon mousse.
Some modern-day variations of choux buns include:
Gourmet flavours such as salted caramel, pistachio, and raspberry rose.
Choux au craquelin, a variation of the traditional choux bun that is topped with a crispy, sweet topping.
Churro choux buns, a fun twist on the classic choux bun that is filled with cinnamon sugar and drizzled with chocolate sauce.
Fitting Choux Buns into a canapé service are a perfect addition to any event, as they can be adapted to your personal tastes, seasonality and respectful of local produced as well as made into bite-sized portions. They are also a great option for both sweet and savoury canapés.
Some of our signature fillings include:
Smoked salmon mousse choux buns topped with a mustard, lemon and dill dip.
Mini choux buns filled with beetroot hummus and topped with a sprinkle of paprika.
Bite sized choux filled with lemon & honey jelly and piped on top with a delicate matcha and mascarpone Chantilly creme.
In conclusion, choux buns have a rich history dating back centuries, and have since evolved into a modern-day dessert with many variations and flavors. They are a versatile pastry that can be easily incorporated into any menu, making them a perfect addition to any event.
Click here to enquire today about adding these mouthfuls of heaven to your wedding or corporate event.
