Easy Mini Eclairs

Original recipe from Donna Hay.

You will need:
2 packages lady fingers
1 bag chocolate chips, your favorite kind
1/2-1 tea. shortening or oil
1 pint heavy whipping cream
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 tea. vanilla extract
1 tea. lemon juice (optional)

Frosting
1 bag chocolate chips, your favorite kind
1/2-1 tea. shortening or oil

Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or chocolate melter with the shortening or oil.

Filling (whipped cream)
You can substitute your favorite store-bought whipped cream, but it is really easy to make at home and so good made fresh.

1 pint heavy whipping cream
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 tea. vanilla extract
1 tea. lemon juice (optional, but makes the cream set up quicker and easier)

Put all ingredients into the bowl of your mixer and beat at the highest speed you can without it splashing out until it becomes solid and fluffy (about 5 minutes.)
This will make more whipped cream than you need for this recipe, but I am sure you can find some use for the leftover. : ) Really good on hot chocolate or ice cream.

To assemble the eclairs:
Place the bases of the lady fingers onto a wire rack.
Spoon on the whipped cream mixture and top with the remaining lady fingers.
Spread chocolate mixture over the tops of the lady fingers.
Serve immediately. These do not store well. Can be made in half-recipes just for your family, or whole recipes to take to gatherings.