Springtime means desserts made with fresh berries, either from our gardens, a farmer’s market, or even the grocery store. My son, Mitch has a spring birthday and has requested this decadent, light Spring Berry Gâteau á Choux for his birthday cake. I don’t plan to ruin it with candles, but at our house we have a birthday hat with candles that he’ll have to wear (see picture below).















12 Servings

Choux Shell:
1 cup water
1/2 cup butter
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt

Filling:
1 3 oz. package instant vanilla pudding
2 cups milk

1 cup heavy whipping cream

4 cups mixed berries
Powdered sugar, for dusting

1. Preheat oven to 400. Line a shallow baking sheet with parchment and draw a 9” circle in the middle.
2. Choux Shell: Place the water and butter in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook until the butter is melted. Add the flour and salt; stir until the mixture forms a smooth ball. Continue cooking and stirring over medium heat until the liquid is evaporated and there is a film on the bottom of the pan. Turn off the heat and let sit 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to cool slightly.
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until the mixture is smooth.
   Transfer to a large decorating bag with a 1/2 inch plain tip and pipe mounds of the choux paste in a 9" circle on the prepared baking sheet. Alternately, spoon rounds of the choux paste in a 9" circle.
   Bake 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Do not underbake or the gâteau will deflate. Cool thoroughly, then slice in half horizontally.
4. Filling: Measure the pudding mix and milk into a blender container; whizz on low speed, scraping the sides down once. Immediately pour into a bowl to set. Alternatively, whisk until smooth. Whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks and fold into the pudding.
5. Assembly: Spoon the filling into the bottom half of the choux shell. Sprinkle berries on top of the pudding. Place the top over the berries and dust with powdered sugar. Place the remaining berries in a bowl that fits in the center of the puff and serve with slices of the gateau.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 220 Calories from Fat 150
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 68% Protein 6% Carb. 26%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 17 g
Saturated Fat 10 g
Cholesterol 53 mg
Sodium 203 mg
Total Carbohydrate 14 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 3 g

Vitamin A 13% Vitamin C 48% Calcium 0% Iron 2%