In French cuisine, a gougère, is a baked savory pastry made of a light (choux) dough mixed with cheese. Serve these little buttery/cheesy gougères warm as an appetizer. They’ll be a hit with your holiday guests.

Editor’s note: When it comes to great cheese, the French definitely know what they’re doing. This recipe calls for Fromager d’Affinois Blue cheese, a semi-soft blue with a light, earthy blue cheese flavor. Our editors sampled this excellent blue cheese and highly recommend it.

Recipe courtesy of Pavé d’Affinois, makers of fine French cheeses www.pavedaffinois.com

St. Geric Blue Cheese has a subtle earthy flavor and creamy texture.

Serves 4 (as appetizers)

– 1 cup (130 g) flour

– 1/3 of cup (75 g) butter

– 1 cup (25 cl) milk

– 4 eggs

– 1/2 lb (200 g ) of Fromager d’Affinois Blue cheese (or your favorite blue cheese)

– Salt / pepper

Preheat the oven to 350 F (180°C).

Cut the cheese into small cubes. Set aside.

Place the milk and butter into a saucepan and add two pinches of salt. Bring to the boil, then remove from the heat and fold in the flour using a spatula.
Return the saucepan to a medium heat and stir continuously for around 5 minutes until a paste is formed.

Then remove from the heat and add the whole eggs, one by one, then the cheese.

Once well mixed, place the dough into a pastry bag and pipe the mixture into small balls around ½ inch (2cm) in diameter onto a baking sheet lined with greaseproof paper.

Using a pastry brush, brush each gougère lightly with milk then bake in the oven for around 20 to 25 minutes.

Serve warm as an appetizer.