Vanilla Cream-Filled Eclairs

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preparation

1. Whisk together first 4 ingredients in a 3-quart saucepan. Gradually whisk in half-and-half. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. Cook 1 minute or until mixture is thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat; whisk in butter and vanilla. Cover and chill 4 hours.
2. Peanut Butter Pastry Cream: Omit 2 tablespoons butter, and stir in 1/3 cup creamy peanut Butter.
3. Coffee Pastry Cream: Stir 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules in with half-and-half.
4. Grand Marnier Pastry Cream: Omit vanilla extract, and stir in 2 tablespoons orange liqueur.