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Preheat oven to 220°C. Line 2 baking trays with baking paper.
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Place the water, butter, sugar and salt in a heavy based saucepan and bring to a simmer. Turn the heat to medium. Quickly add the flour all at once and beat vigorously until the dough comes away cleanly from the sides of the pot and is smooth and glossy.
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Transfer to a cake mixer and beat for 30 seconds with the balloon whisk. Add the first 4 eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. The addition of the last egg depends on the size of your eggs - you will need to make a judgment call about the consistency of your choux pastry - I often add half of the last egg. The pastry needs to be glossy and hold its shape when you pipe it (see photos), and ‘drop’ off your beaters smoothly (see photo).
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Pipe or spoon walnut sized balls of dough onto the lined baking trays, leaving 2cm between each.
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Bake for 10 minutes then reduce the oven temperature 200°C and bake a further 10-15 minutes or until golden and dry. I normally check one by pulling one out and cutting it in half.
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Either cool uncovered in a single layer if using straight away, or freeze immediately to use at another time.