Crossword Genius

Even in pencil, makes public sweet little items (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

eclairs

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'sweet little items' is the definition.
(type of baked good)

'even in pencil makes public' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'makes public' could be 'airs' (air can mean to broadcast or make public) and 'airs' is found within the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for eclairs that I've seen before include "Elongated cream puffs" , "Cream cakes" , "Oblong cream puffs" , "Oblong pastries" , "in which la creme may be found?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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