Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Cheese Puffs

Prep: 15 minutes
Bake: 15 minutes per batch
Yield: 4 dozen

1 cup water
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 eggs
1 1/4 cups Gruyere or Swiss cheese
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

In a large sauce pan, bring water, butter, salt and cayenne to a boil. Add flour all at once and stir until a smooth ball forms. Remove from the heat. Immediately transfer to a mixing bowl. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue beating until mixture is smooth and shiny. Stir in Gruyere and mustard.

Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2-in. apart onto greased baking sheet. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake at 425 for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm or cold.

Tips and Tricks
Look for Gruyere cheese in the gourmet deli section of the grocery store. Swiss is usually easier to find (and cheaper). Use whatever bold or spicy mustard you have on hand.
Make It Healthier
Use low-fat cheese. Omit the salt. Consider egg substitute.
How Kids Can Help
Measure ingredients. Older kids can break the eggs and use the mixture.

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