Emmer Gougeres (French Cheese Puffs)

Recipe by Bluebird Grain Farms

Gougeres are delicate little pastry puffs with cheese, normally Gruyere. Despite their fancy name they are incredibly easy to whip up and can be made the day ahead. It's a wonderfully savory alternative to sweet pastries at a brunch.  We're using Emmer Flour, an ancient grain that will make them even more flavorful in addition to being more healthy.

Yields: About 20 Gougeres

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 3 tablespoons salted butter
• 2/3 cup Emmer flour
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 cup coarsely grated cheese, such as Comté, Gruyère and/or sharp cheddar
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt

Method

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Set out a large baking sheet and line it with  parchment paper. In a medium saucepan bring the milk, water and butter to a boil over medium-high heat. While liquids are heating, measure the emmer flour and paprika into a bowl & mix together with a fork. As soon as the liquids boil and the butter is melted, turn the heat down to low and pour in the flour mixture all at once, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Keep stirring until all the flour is incorporated and the mixture comes away from the pan and becomes difficult to stir, 1 to 3 minutes.

Take the pan off the heat and let cool slightly while you grate the cheese. Crack one egg into the pan and stir to thoroughly incorporate into the dough. Crack the next egg into the pan, and stir again to incorporate. Add the cheese and stir to evenly distribute into the dough. Drop the dough by heaping tablespoons onto the lined baking sheet, about 1 inch apart. Sprinkle each gougere with a few grains of coarse sea salt. Bake for 18 – 20 minutes, until the gougeres are puffed and golden on top. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, and reheat for 5 minutes in a 350 degree oven.*Indicates ingredients that are grown or produced locally