Italian Appetizers Recipes - Italian Pepperoni-Cheese Puffs

Ingredients   

• 1 1/4 cups water

• 1/3 cup shortening

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 4 eggs

• 3/4 cup finely chopped pepperoni (3 ounces)

• 3/4 cup finely shredded pecorino Romano cheese or Parmesan cheese (3 ounces)

• 2 tablespoons snipped fresh flat-leaf parsley

• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

• Purchased pizza sauce, warmed (optional)

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Method:

1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Lightly grease two large baking sheets; set aside. In a large saucepan combine the water and shortening. Bring to boiling. Add flour all at once, stirring vigorously.

2. Cook and stir until mixture forms a ball. Remove from heat. Cool for 10 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well with a wooden spoon after each addition. Stir in pepperoni, cheese, parsley, garlic powder, and pepper.

3. Drop dough by rounded teaspoons into small mounds 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Position the two baking sheets on separate oven racks.

4. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes or until firm and golden brown, switching oven racks halfway through baking. Transfer to a wire rack. Repeat, as needed, for remaining dough. Serve warm. If desired, serve with pizza sauce.