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1
Preheat the oven to 375F.
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2
Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking sheet or parchment paper.
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3
To make the dough, in a medium saucepan, bring the water, butter, and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt to a boil over high heat.
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4
Immediately remove the pan from the heat, add the flour all at once, and beat vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture is smooth and pulls away from the sides of the pan to form a ball, 30 to 60 seconds.
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5
(This mixture is called the panade.)
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6
Beat the mixture over low heat for an additional 30 to 60 seconds to dry the mixture.
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7
To make the egg wash, whisk 1 of the eggs in a small bowl with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt until well mixed; set aside.
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8
With a wooden spoon, beat the remaining 4 eggs into the dough, one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition.
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9
(It will come together, I promise.)
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10
Beat until the dough is shiny and slides from the spoon.
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11
Add the grated cheese.
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12
If using parchment paper to line the baking sheet, glue down the paper at this point with a few dabs of the dough.
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13
To form the gougeres, use either a tablespoon for a rustic look, or for a more finished appearance, a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2-inch round tip.
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14
Spoon or pipe 12 mounds of dough about 2 inches in diameter onto the baking sheet, spacing them at least 2 inches apart.
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15
Brush the puffs with the reserved egg wash.
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16
Bake until puffed and golden, 25 to 30 minutes.
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17
To test for doneness, remove one puff from the baking sheet and let it cool for 45 to 60 seconds.
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18
If it remains crisp and doesnt deflate, it is done.
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If not, return it to the oven and continue baking 5 to 10 minutes more.
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20
Remove to a rack to cool.
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21
Let the puffs cool slightly on the sheet, then transfer to a cooling rack.
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22
Serve warm or at room temperature.
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23
These are brilliantly resilient and freeze beautifully.
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24
Once cooled, store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 4 weeks.
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25
Warm and re-crisp in a 350F oven, 5 to 7 minutes.
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26
To make 30 to 35 medium puffs, adjust the ingredient amounts as follows: 1 1/4 cups flour, 1 cup water, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 6 1/2 tablespoons butter, 5 eggs, and 1 cup cheese.
