Cheddar Cheese Puffs

Gougères, light and fluffy savory cheese puffs with cheddar cheese and thyme.

Ingredients :

• 1 stick (8 tablespoons or 4 ounces) of butter

• 1 cup water

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 4 large eggs

• Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, in a cup (four ounces).

• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme or rosemary

• Freshly ground pepper

STEPS :

     1. Boil the water, butter, salt :

A medium saucepan set over high heat should be used to bring the water, butter, and salt to a boil.

     2. Add the flour and stir :

Reduce the heat to medium and stir in all of the flour at once. Stir quickly. The dough ball will develop and pull away from the sides of the pan.

Because the dough will be somewhat thick, it is best to stir it using a wooden spoon. Cook for another couple of minutes.

     3. Allow it cool for a few minutes before adding eggs one at a time :

The pan should be taken off the heat and left to cool for a while. Stir to ensure that the dough cools evenly. You want the dough to be warm, but not so hot that the eggs cook as soon as they hit the dough.

Add the eggs one at a time, stirring after each addition, until the eggs are fully mixed. (You may do this in a mixer or by hand with a wooden spoon.) The dough should be quite creamy.

     4. Add some peppercorns, thyme, and cheese that has been grated.

     5. Scoop spoonfuls onto lined baking sheet :

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Spoon small balls of dough (approximately a heaping tablespoon) onto a silicone or parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving at least an inch between spoonfuls.

     6. Bake :

Cook for 10 minutes at 425°F in the oven. Reduce the heat to 350°F and continue to cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until puffed up and gently brown.

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