Appetizer

Upscale Cheese Puffs

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup water

1/2 teaspoon salt

Freshly ground pepper

1 cup flour

4 eggs

1 garlic clove, grated

1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (Swiss or Cheddar may be substituted)

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan

In a heavy saucepan, combine butter, milk, water, salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, beating to ensure mixture is well blended.

Remove from heat and immediately add flour all at once. Beat vigorously with a wooden spoon until mixture becomes smooth and pulls away from the sides of the pan.

Return to low heat and beat vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes until mixture begins to dry out. Transfer to a bowl and, using a mixer on high speed, add eggs, one at a time, mixing until each is incorporated before adding the next. Reduce speed to medium-low and add garlic and Gruyere, mixing until just incorporated.

Drop batter by heaping teaspoonful onto baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each. Sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake in heated 400-degree oven for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake 15 more minutes, until puffs are firm and golden. Serve warm. Makes 4 dozen.

Per puff: 47 calories, 65 percent calories from fat, 3.4 g fat (2 g saturated, 1 g monounsaturated), 23.3 mg cholesterol, 1.9 g protein, 2.2 g carbohydrates, 0 fiber, 47 mg sodium