1package(10 to 12 ounces) unsweetened frozen raspberriesthawed
¼cupsugaror to taste
½teaspooncornstarch
1teaspoongrated lemon zestoptional
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a small saucepan combine the water, milk, butter, and salt and bring to a boil, allowing the butter to melt. Remove from the heat and dump in the flour all at once, then stir vigorously to make a paste. Stir until the mixture forms a ball, pulling away from the sides of the pan, and is a bit glossy.
Transfer the batter to a mixing bowl and use an electric mixer to blend the dough as you add the eggs one at a time, blending until incorporated (you can also use a spoon for this, but be prepared to work!).
Transfer the mixture to a pastry bag with a large plain tip, or a large, sturdy freezer-proof zipper top plastic bag. If using a plastic bag, trim a very small triangle from one of the bottom corners of the bag. Pipe the mixture into 1-inch balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving at least 1-inch in between each ball. Dip a finger in water and press down the piped tip at the top of each puff so the top is smooth. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until light and somewhat hollow inside, when you tap them. Use a small sharp knife to cut a little slit in the side of each to let the steam escape. Cool on the baking sheet on a wire rack.
While the puffs are baking make the raspberry sauce. Combine the raspberries, sugar, cornstarch, and zest, if using, in a small saucepan. Heat, stirring frequently, over medium heat until the sauce comes to a simmer. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until thickened, and taste to see if you want to add more sugar. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl, pressing against the strainer with the side of a spoon to get as much sauce through as possible, and scrape the strained sauce from the bottom of the mesh strainer into the bowl. Discard the seeds. Let cool slightly.
Just before serving, slice the puffs in half horizontally, and use a tablespoon to fill with the ice cream of your choice. Top the puffs with the slightly warm raspberry sauce and serve immediately.
Notes
Any kind of berry sauce is delicious, as are chocolate sauce, butterscotch or caramel, sauces, and sauce that speaks to you. Just think about the flavor of the ice cream you are using to fill the cream puffs, and pick something to complement it