Gruyere Gougere (French Appetizer Puffs) Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• A pinch or two of ground cayenne pepper, nutmeg or white pepper
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup shredded gruyere, Swiss, sharp cheddar, or other flavorful semi-hard cheese (plus 1/2 cup shredded cheese for topping)

Directions:

1. Arrange one oven rack to upper third position of oven and another to lower third position. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper or foil. (Oil foil if using.)
2. In a large heavy saucepan, combine water, butter, salt and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat. Add flour, all at once, and stir with a wooden spoon until well blended.
3. Beat in one egg at a time, making sure each egg is thoroughly incorporated before adding another. (Or, transfer dough to bowl of an electric stand mixer or food processor and beat in eggs, one at a time.) Stir in 1 cup of cheese.
4. Spoon dough into a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2-inch tip. Or, spoon dough into a large food-safe plastic bag and cut across one corner of the bag to make a 1/2-inch opening.
5. Pipe about 1 Tbsp portions of dough into small mounds about 2-inches apart on baking sheets. Sprinkle with remaining shredded cheese.
6. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, switching position of sheets in oven halfway through baking, until gougere are puffed and golden.
7. Serve warm or at room temperature. If made ahead, wrap in foil and reheat in 350°F oven for 10 minutes or till warm. Makes about 40.