News 4 Cooks: Jalapeño Cheddar Gougères

Written By Christian Wlach   –   KVOA.com

Jalapeño Cheddar Gougères
8oz butter (2 sticks)
1.5 tsp salt
1.5 tsp sugar
2 cups milk
3 cups bread flour
8 eggs
2 cups cheddar cheese, finely shredded
1 jalapeño pepper, finely minced (2 jalapeños if you like spicy)

Preparation Instructions (must be specific, no vague amounts i.e. “pinch or scoop”):
1. In a medium-large pot, boil the butter, salt, sugar, and milk.
2. Add the flour and stir until the mixture cleans the side of the pot (best using a heat-proof spatula or a wooden spoon).
3. Remove from the heat and police the mixture in the bowl of a stationary mixer (like a Kitchen-Aid), fitted with a paddle.
4. Mix on medium speed while adding the eggs gradually. Fully incorporate each addition before the next.
5. Mix until the bowl is almost cool to touch.
6. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and the minced jalapeños.
7. Place into a piping bag (or a large Zip-loc bag with a corner cut off).
8. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
9. Pipe the dough into puffs, anywhere from the size of a quarter to the size of a half dollar, depending on how large you want the puffs to bake. They will expand in the oven.
10. Bake at 350*F for 20 minutes, then reduce the heat to 320*F for an additional 10-15 minutes. The puffs should be a medium-dark golden brown color.

These puffs are served perfectly by themselves, but you can also make them bigger and fill them with your favorite chicken salad, seafood salad, or even a cream cheese and salsa blend for an enhanced filling! These Jalapeño Cheddar Gougères are great for hors d’oeuvres for a holiday party or for entertaining guests!