Gougeres

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
2. 2
   Heat the milk and butter in a medium-large saucepan over medium-high heat.
3. 3
   When the mixture simmers and the butter is melted, add the flour all at once and stir.
4. 4
   Add the salt and pepper.
5. 5
   Reduce heat to medium and stir for 1 to 2 minutes to dry the mixture out.
6. 6
   Turn off heat and stir a bit more to cool slightly.
7. 7
   Add the eggs 1 at a time, beating well to incorporate each egg before adding the next.
8. 8
   Stir in the cheese, mustards, and cayenne and mix until smooth.
9. 9
   Transfer the mixture to a pastry bag with a large plain tip.
10. 10
    Pipe the mixture onto to a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet in rows of kisses, about 1- inch in diameter.
11. 11
    Smooth out any bumps with a fingertip dipped in flour.
12. 12
    (The recipe can be made to this point up to 8 hours in advance and refrigerated, or frozen for up to a week.
13. 13
    Thaw at room temperature before baking.)
14. 14
    Bake for 10 minutes.
15. 15
    Reduce the heat to 375 degrees F and continue baking until golden brown, about 8 to 10 minutes more.