NATIONAL CHOCOLATE ECLAIR DAY
June 22 celebrates National Chocolate Eclair Day. Today is a day for everyone to enjoy a delicious cream filled pastry that is covered in smooth chocolate.
The dough of an eclair, is piped into an oblong shape with a pastry bag and baked until it is crisp and hollow on the inside. Once the pastry has cooled, it is then filled with a vanilla flavored custard, whipped cream or chiboust cream and then iced with chocolate.
The word “eclair” comes from the French word, meaning “flash of lightning”. The connection between this and the French pastry remains unclear.
Originating during the nineteenth century in France, the eclair was first called “pain à la duchesse” or “petite duchesse”. It is believed, by food historians, that eclairs were first made by French chef Antonin Careme (1784-1833).
The 1884 Boston Cooking School Cook Book, by Mrs. D.A. Lincoln, has the first known English-language recipe for eclairs.
- Long Johns are marketed under the name eclairs in some parts of the United States. The two are not quite identical. Long Johns are made with donut pastry and typically filled with a vanilla pudding or custard, making it a simpler and less expensive alternative to the eclair.
Following are a few of our “tried and true” recipes for you to make, share and enjoy National Chocolate Eclair Day!
Have a GREAT day!
What is your favorite kind of donut?