METHOD

1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Place the water,  milk, salt, sugar and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring, until the butter is melted and  the mixture is boiling. Reduce the heat to low, add the flour and beat with a wooden spoon for 2 minutes or until the mixture is smooth and comes away from the sides of the pan. 
   
2. Transfer  to the bowl of an electric mixer and beat on medium speed for 1 minute or until cooled slightly. Add half the egg and beat until combined. Gradually add the remaining  egg and beat for 1–2 minutes or until the mixture is smooth and well combined. 
   
3. Spoon the mixture into a piping bag fitted with a 1cm star nozzle. Pipe 12 x 12cm lengths onto lightly greased baking trays lined with non-stick baking paper. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until puffed and golden. Allow to cool completely on the trays. 
   
4. Place the cream, icing sugar and vanilla  in a bowl and whisk until soft peaks form. To assemble the éclairs, use a small, sharp knife to cut the pastries in half and pipe the cream into the centre. Dip the top of each éclair in the chocolate and refrigerate until just set. Makes 12. 
   

+ Beat the mixture  well in-between each addition of egg. It will initially look as though the egg is separated from the mixture. Keep beating until smooth. If, when you lift up the beater, you can see ribbons form on the surface of the mixture, you know the eggs are well combined and you can add the remainder of the egg.
+ Éclairs are best  eaten on the day they are made, when the pastry is crisp and fresh. You can make the pastry a few hours ahead and store in  an airtight container. Fill and ice just before serving.