Cultural - Deirdra Monet's Lifestyle Blog https://www.deirdramonet.com Wed, 15 Oct 2025 21:52:39 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.1 https://i0.wp.com/www.deirdramonet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Deirdra-Monet-Logo-2-e1675284477988.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Cultural - Deirdra Monet's Lifestyle Blog https://www.deirdramonet.com 32 32 215337841 Hazelnut Chocolate Eclairs https://www.deirdramonet.com/hazelnut-chocolate-eclairs/ https://www.deirdramonet.com/hazelnut-chocolate-eclairs/#respond Mon, 04 Aug 2025 20:30:19 +0000 https://www.deirdramonet.com/?p=7343 There’s something undeniably elegant about a well-made éclair. That glossy ganache topping, the delicate pastry, the creamy filling tucked inside—it feels like something you’d only find in a bakery window on a cobblestone street. But here’s the secret: you can make them at home, and they’re not as intimidating as they look. These Hazelnut Chocolate […]

The post Hazelnut Chocolate Eclairs first appeared on Deirdra Monet's Lifestyle Blog.

]]>

There’s something undeniably elegant about a well-made éclair. That glossy ganache topping, the delicate pastry, the creamy filling tucked inside—it feels like something you’d only find in a bakery window on a cobblestone street. But here’s the secret: you can make them at home, and they’re not as intimidating as they look.

These Hazelnut Chocolate Éclairs are a cozy, indulgent spin on the French classic. The choux pastry bakes up airy and golden, then gets filled with a rich, chocolate-kissed hazelnut pastry cream and finished with a silky ganache glaze. It’s a little decadent, a little fancy, and a lot delicious.

Whether you’re baking for a celebration, a dinner party, or just want to try something special on a quiet weekend, this recipe brings that “I can’t believe I made this” kind of magic. And trust me—once you’ve had one, you’ll be planning your next batch before the ganache has even set.

Print

Hazelnut Chocolate Éclairs

These Hazelnut Chocolate Éclairs are bakery-level elegant with a rich hazelnut pastry cream, crisp choux shell, and silky chocolate ganache. A showstopping dessert that’s surprisingly doable at home!
Course Dessert
Cuisine French
Keyword chocolate eclairs, eclair, hazelnut, pastries
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour

Ingredients

Choux Pastry

  • 1 stick unsalted butter
  • 1 cup water
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs

Hazelnut Pastry Cream

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup white sugar
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 4 eggs yolks
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoons hazelnut extract

Chocolate Ganache

  • ½ cup heavy cream steamed
  • ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Make the Choux Pastry

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine 1 stick butter, 1 cup water, and ¼ tsp salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add 1 cup all-purpose flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough pulls away from the sides and forms a smooth ball (about 1–2 minutes).
  • Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for 5 minutes.
  • Beat in 4 eggs, one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. The dough should be smooth, glossy, and pipeable.
  • Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round or French tip. Pipe 4–5 inch long logs onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
  • Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Do not open the oven during baking.
  • Remove and let cool completely on a wire rack.

Make the Hazelnut Pastry Cream

  • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm 2 cups whole milk and ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips until just steaming—do not boil. Stir to melt the chocolate.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together ½ cup sugar, ¼ cup cornstarch, ¼ tsp salt, and 4 egg yolks until smooth and pale.
  • Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
  • Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens into a pudding-like consistency (about 5 minutes).
  • Remove from heat and stir in 2 Tbsp butter and 2 tsp hazelnut extract.
  • Transfer pastry cream to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (press it directly onto the surface), and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Make the Chocolate Ganache

  • In a small saucepan or microwave, heat ½ cup heavy cream until just steaming.
  • Pour over ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 1–2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy. Set aside to cool slightly.

Assemble the Éclairs

  • Once the choux shells are fully cooled, use a small knife to cut them in half lengthwise or poke holes in the bottom for filling.
  • Fill a piping bag with the chilled hazelnut pastry cream and pipe it generously into each éclair.
  • Dip the tops of the éclairs into the ganache or spoon it over the top for a glossy finish.
  • Chill for 30–60 minutes to set, then serve and enjoy!

The post Hazelnut Chocolate Eclairs first appeared on Deirdra Monet's Lifestyle Blog.

]]> https://www.deirdramonet.com/hazelnut-chocolate-eclairs/feed/ 0 7343 Colombian Cheesy Arepas https://www.deirdramonet.com/colombian-cheesy-arepas/ https://www.deirdramonet.com/colombian-cheesy-arepas/#respond Wed, 30 Apr 2025 22:07:26 +0000 https://www.deirdramonet.com/?p=7194 Welcome to Casita! In this third installment of our Disney Princess-Inspired Recipe Series, we’re stepping into the colorful world of Encanto, where magic, music, and family collide in the most heartwarming ways. So far, we’ve explored the bayou with Tiana’s savory crab beignets and crunchy warm apple turnovers made in Snow White’s oven.  Today, we’re […]

The post Colombian Cheesy Arepas first appeared on Deirdra Monet's Lifestyle Blog.

]]>

Welcome to Casita! In this third installment of our Disney Princess-Inspired Recipe Series, we’re stepping into the colorful world of Encanto, where magic, music, and family collide in the most heartwarming ways. So far, we’ve explored the bayou with Tiana’s savory crab beignets and crunchy warm apple turnovers made in Snow White’s oven. 

Today, we’re heading to the heart of Colombia for a cozy and comforting dish that feels just like a warm hug from Mirabel herself. Inspired by Encanto, these Colombian Cheesy Arepas are gooey, golden, and utterly magical — just like the family Madrigal.

Whether you’re channeling Julieta’s healing touch or celebrating your own unique gifts, these arepas are the perfect way to bring a little encanto to your kitchen.

🌽 What Are Arepas?

Arepas are a staple in Colombian and Venezuelan cuisine, made from masarepa, a pre-cooked cornmeal. Their texture is soft on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and endlessly versatile. You can grill them, bake them, fry them, or stuff them with cheese, meats, eggs, or vegetables.

In Colombian culture, arepas are eaten any time of day: for breakfast with coffee, as a side dish at lunch, or as a quick snack. They’re the kind of food that’s always around — always welcome. Like a favorite cousin who shows up unannounced but is always a good time.

The version we’re making today is Colombian Cheesy Arepas, just like the ones Julieta makes for Mirabel. Soft, buttery, packed with melty cheese. Simple. Soulful. Satisfying.

This version is simple, cheesy, and totally enchanting.

Making the Colombian Cheesy Arepas

🧀 Ingredients

  • 2 cups precooked white cornmeal (masarepa) – like PAN or Areparina

  • 2 ½ cups warm water

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or queso blanco

  • 1 tbsp butter (plus more for the skillet)

🥄 Instructions

  1. Mix the dough: In a large bowl, stir the warm water and salt together. Slowly add in the cornmeal, mixing until there are no lumps. Let it rest for 5 minutes to absorb the water.

  2. Add cheese & butter: Knead in the shredded cheese and 1 tbsp of butter until evenly distributed. The dough should be soft and pliable — not too sticky or dry.

  3. Shape the arepas: Divide the dough into 8 pieces. Roll each into a ball and flatten into thick discs about ½ inch thick.

  4. Cook: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a bit of butter. Cook the arepas for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and slightly crispy.

  5. Melt more cheese inside (optional): For extra cheesy magic, carefully slice the arepas open and stuff them with more cheese. Return to the pan for another minute to melt.

🌈 Serve with a Little Magic

Serve your arepas warm with:

  • A drizzle of honey for sweet contrast

  • A fried egg on top for brunch vibes

  • Guacamole or hogao (Colombian tomato-onion sauce) for extra flavor

  • Or just enjoy them plain — they’re that good!

Tips for the Perfect Arepas

  • Don’t skip the rest time. This allows the masarepa to hydrate properly, which makes shaping and cooking much easier.

  • Use a nonstick or cast iron skillet for the best texture and golden crust.

  • Customize! Arepas are wonderfully flexible. Add herbs, different cheeses, or sweet fillings like guava paste and cream cheese.

  • Serve them fresh. Arepas are best hot off the griddle, when the cheese is perfectly melty and the edges have just the right crunch.

What is your favorite Disney Recipe?

And that wraps up Recipe #3 in our Disney Princess-Inspired series! These Colombian cheesy arepas are all about warmth, comfort, and the kind of magic that lives in everyday meals. I hope they bring a little Encanto into your kitchen and a whole lot of love to your table.

If you’ve been cooking along with the series, let me know in the comments — which recipe has been your favorite so far? Or is there a Disney princess dish you’re hoping to see next?

Catch up on the first two recipes in the series:

See you next time for another Disney princess bite! 💕

Print

Cheesy Arepas

Soft, buttery, and golden on the outside with a gooey, cheesy center—these Colombian arepas are the ultimate comfort food. Made with masarepa, milk, and a melty blend of queso fresco and mozzarella, they’re crisp on the edges and tender inside. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or anytime you need a little edible magic.
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine Colombian
Keyword arepas, cheese arepas, colombian arepas
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 8 arepas

Equipment

  • Skillet or saucepan
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients

  • 2 ¼ cups white cornmeal masarepa
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons butter melted
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup water
  • ¾ cup shredded queso fresco
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon butter for cooking

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the white cornmeal, salt, and sugar until combined.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the milk, water, and melted butter. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
  • Once a soft dough forms, gently knead it with your hands for 2–3 minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable. If the dough feels too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until the consistency is right.
  • Fold in the shredded queso fresco and mozzarella cheese, evenly distributing them throughout the dough.
  • Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each into a ball. Flatten each one into a disc about ½ inch thick.
  • Heat a skillet or saucepan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, place the arepas in the pan without overcrowding.
  • Cook for 4–5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown with a slight crisp on the outside and melty cheese inside.
  • Optional: Cover the pan with a lid for the last minute of cooking to help melt the cheese completely.
  • Serve warm—ideally with a pat of butter on top or a side of guava jam for a sweet-savory contrast.

The post Colombian Cheesy Arepas first appeared on Deirdra Monet's Lifestyle Blog.

]]> https://www.deirdramonet.com/colombian-cheesy-arepas/feed/ 0 7194