CHOCOLATE-RASPBERRY CREAM PUFF RING RECIPE

Steps:

• Mash raspberries, reserving juice; strain and discard seeds. In a small heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch and salt; stir in jelly and reserved juice. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1 minute or until thickened. Transfer to a small bowl; refrigerate until chilled.
• Cover a baking sheet with foil; grease the foil. Trace a 6-in. circle onto foil; set aside.
• In a large saucepan, bring water, butter and salt to a boil. Add flour all at once and stir until a smooth ball forms. Remove from the heat; let stand for 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue beating until mixture is smooth and shiny.
• Drop batter by rounded tablespoonfuls onto prepared pan, along the inside of the circle (mounds should be slightly touching). Bake at 400° for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
• Lift foil and transfer to a wire rack. Immediately cut a slit in the side of each puff to allow steam to escape; cool. Carefully cut ring in half horizontally and set top aside; remove soft dough from inside with a fork. Place ring bottom on a serving plate.
• For filling, in a large bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add confectioners' sugar and vanilla; beat until soft peaks form. Stir in 1/2 cup fudge topping until combined. Fold in chocolate chips and pecans.
• Spread filling over bottom of cream puff ring; replace top. Drizzle with chilled raspberry sauce and remaining fudge topping. Refrigerate until serving. Yield: 12 servings.