What is an Eclair? The History of the Eclair.
The word "éclair" made its appearance in the 1860s, describing the pastry previously called petite duchesse in France. It may have been created by French chef Antonin Carême, who is responsible for other desserts including the Charlotte and Napolean cake. Its first print reference in English was in an article in Vanity Fair in 1861, and then in Boston Cooking School Cook Book in 1884. The eclair is making a resurgence in popularity and can now be seen filled with trendy fillings such as matcha tea or mocha cream filling. The tops of the pastry may now be decorated with fresh fruit and fanciful fruit glazes. Frozen eclairs are also to be found with ice cream fillings. The choux pastry (pâte à choux) is a key component of the éclair. This pastry rises only from the action of steam. It doesn't use any yeast, baking soda, or baking powder. This makes the eclair different from long-shaped doughnuts such as the Long John, which are made with doughnut pastry that uses another leavening.