Instructions: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

In a medium saucepan, bring the water, butter, and salt to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the flour all at once and stir quickly until the mixture forms a ball, remove from the heat.

Add 1 egg and beat hard with a wooden spoon to blend. Add the remaining whole eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, each egg must be completely blended in before the next egg is added. As you beat the mixture, it will change from an almost-curdled to a smooth appearance. When it is smooth, spoon 12 mounds of dough onto a large rimmed baking sheet.

In a small bowl, combine the egg yolk and milk, mix well and brush over the dough.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden. Remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

In a large bowl, beat the cream with an electric beater on medium speed until soft peaks form. Add the confectioners sugar and vanilla and beat until stiff peaks form.

Cut the top third off each cooled pastry puff and fill with equal amounts of the whipped cream mixture. Replace the tops and sprinkle with the confectioners sugar. Serve immediately, or cover and chill until ready to serve.

This recipe yields 12 cream puffs.

Comments: For a sure way to get perfect whipped cream, chill the bowl and beaters before whipping the cream, and make sure not to overbeat it.

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