Gougeres

Directions

1. 1
   Position an oven rack in the lower third of the oven, and preheat to 400. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. 2
   In a medium saucepan, combine 1/4 cup water, milk, butter, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil over medium heat. Add the flour, and stir with a wooden spoon until the mixture becomes dry, about 1 minute.
3. 3
   Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl, add the cheese, and beat with a hand mixer on medium speed for 1 minute Add the eggs one at a time. Continue to mix on medium/high speed until the dough is smooth and shiny, 1-2 minute.
4. 4
   Spoon the dough into a large resealable plastic bag and seal it shut. Cut a 1/4 inch diagonal slice from one corner of the bag; squeeze the dough through that hole and into 1 inch rounds on the baking sheet, leaving 1 inch space between each gougere. Smooth any peaks by dipping your finger in water and very gently rubbing the top of each piped round.
5. 5
   Transfer the backing sheet to oven. After 10 min, rotate the baking sheet and reduce oven temperature to 350. Continue to bake until gougeres are golden brown, about 15 min more. Remove gougeres from oven, transfer to a serving platter or basket, and serve immediately.
6. 6
   Left overs can be reheated by placing them in a 400 degree oven for 2 minute.