Gougeres

Directions

1. 1
   Heat the oven to 375°F/190°C.
2. 2
   Put the butter in a heavy saucepan with the water or stock, salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. 3
   Bring to a boil and pull from the heat.
4. 4
   Dump the flour in all at once, and beat until smooth with a wooden spoon. The mixture will pull away from the sides of the pan and form a ball.
5. 5
   Put the pan back on low heat and beat for a minute to dry the paste somewhat.
6. 6
   Remove from the heat and let cool about 3 minutes.
7. 7
   Add the eggs one at a time, beating vigorously with a wooden spoon after each addition. You want a smooth, soft, glossy paste that falls easily from the spoon.
8. 8
   Stir in the cheese.
9. 9
   Using a pastry bag, pipe 1-inch/2.5 cm balls onto a buttered baking sheet, or simply drop the mixture by spoonfuls.
10. 10
    Brush with milk so they will emerge golden and shiny.
11. 11
    Bake for 25-35 minutes until puffed up, nicely browned, and feather light when you pick one up.