Oh, I know I’m gonna get in trouble for saying this, but these little puffs – called chouquettes – are similar to the beloved donut hole (or Dunkin’ Munchkins, for those of you familiar with Dunkin’ Donuts’ marketing spin on the once tossed-off middles) in that they are:
1. The size and shape (round) of the donut hole.
2. The same color as the donut hole, and covered in sugar.
3. Mostly air and therefore practically calorie-free, like donut holes.
I resisted these little cuties for such a long time, mainly because they didn’t look that interesting, just sitting there, as they usually are, near the cash register, heaped in a little basket around in mid-afternoon, when the kids are getting out of school, and when I’m making my way to the neighborhood Starbuck’s for a double-tall latte.
Since they’re not fried, like donut holes – they’re made from choux pastry, the same dough that’s used for profiteroles and éclairs — I think that these are especially healthy snacks.
And what a great value! Only 2 euros for a 100 gram bag of 15 or so, that’s filled and flipped over a couple of times like a circus performer, so the little corners twist to keep the chouquettes fresh for the journey home.
As if they ever make it that far.
I untwist the bag as soon as I walk out of the boulangerie, and start popping them into my mouth, one by one, enjoying the crunch of the large sugar grains, and the crispy bottoms, which purrrrfectly contrast the airiness of the middle and the soft tops…oh, it’s heaven in the afternoon!
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