Cream Puff Gateau

This is so pretty and was submitted to sunset magazine by edith shulman.

Preheat oven to 400f butter 3 large baking sheets and set aside.

In a medium pan over medium heat , melt 1 / 2 cup butter with 1 cup water.

Bring mixture to a simmer.

Reduce heat to low and immediately add flour , sugar , and salt all at once.

Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball that pulls away from sides of pan , about 1 minute.

Remove from heat.

Add eggs one at a time , stirring vigorously to fully incorporate each egg before adding the next.

The mixture will appear to separate at first.

Keep stirring until dough comes together into a smooth paste.

Divide dough evenly among the 3 prepared baking sheets.

Using a spatula , spread dough into 8-inch circles.

Bake pastry layers 20 minutes , then reduce heat to 350f and bake until browned , 10 to 15 minutes.

Transfer layers to cooling racks and set aside.

Meanwhile , spread coconut on a baking sheet and bake at 350f until lightly toasted , about 10 minutes.

In a large bowl , beat cream to soft.

butter, all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, eggs, unsweetened flaked coconut, heavy whipping cream, strawberry preserves