Gougère ( Cheese Puffs) with Smoked Black Pepper

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4oz ( 1 stick) unsalted butter in large slices
• 1 cup flour
• large pinch of coarse salt
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup of grated Gruyère cheese 
• 1/8 tsp Smoked Black Pepper
• Freshly ground nutmeg

Directions

• Combine water, milk, salt, and butter in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and stir in the flour until a smooth dough forms and it pulls away from the sides of the pan.
• Scrape the dough into bowl and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Beat the eggs into the dough, 1 at a time, and make sure the eggs are properly incorporated before adding more. Add the cheese ( hold back a bit for sprinkling) and a pinch of nutmeg and pepper.
• Make sure your baking trays have parchment paper and your own is preheating at 400º. Using a spoon, scoop out tablespoon sized balls and drop them on then baking sheet ( leave around 2 inches between). Sprinkle with cheese.
• Once in the oven, turn the heat down to 375º and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown - rotate the tray half way through!