Grandma Mary's Cream Puffs

1 . Stage

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

2 . Stage

Combine water, butter, and salt for pastries in a saucepan on the stove; bring to a brisk boil. Add flour, then turn off the heat and stir vigorously until mixture is smooth.

3 . Stage

Pour mixture into a large mixing bowl. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until mixture is thick and shiny. Spoon 12 dollops of the mixture onto each of the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.

4 . Stage

Bake in the preheated oven until light golden brown, about 30 minutes, swapping racks halfway through. Remove to cooling racks and let cool, about 30 minutes.

5 . Stage

Meanwhile, combine milk, condensed milk, sugar, eggs, and salt for filling in a pot over medium-high heat. When the mixture starts to steam, reduce heat to medium.

6 . Stage

Place cornstarch in a bowl and stir in about 2 tablespoons of the hot milk mixture. Stir vigorously until it's completely liquid, then pour into the pot with the remaining milk mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, until custard thickens.

7 . Stage

Turn off the heat, add vanilla, and continue stirring for about 8 minutes. Let cool, about 10 minutes; it will thicken as it cools.

8 . Stage

Cut the tops off the cooled pastries. Add the custard filling and put the tops back on. Place in the refrigerator for 1 hour before serving.