Before I joined the Doristas, the pastry dough, Pâte à Choux, translated deliciously to éclairs, slender oblong pastries filled with tasty pastry cream and finished with delicious glaze. Then my neighbor, Michelle, an extraordinary chef, expanded my repertoire by helping me make gougères (FFWD, p. 4, 10-01-10), the classic French cheese puff made with the same dough.
Goat-cheese Mini Puffs – These puffs are good slightly warm, at room temperature or even slightly chilled. I served them with Sancerre, a food-friendly, delicate French wine.
This week I was delighted to make another savory cream puff, Goat-Cheese Mini Puffs, which would be a perfect addition for cocktail time. I often have supper with my friends, Cathy and Fred, who live just two blocks and three hungry bears from my Condo. (Yep, our resident bears, who appear after dark, are still trolling for food.) Since I would be leaving Aspen soon, Cathy invited me to break bread with them, giving me a perfect opportunity to share this week’s recipe choice. (Disclaimer: This week’s recipe was supposed to be Top-Secret Chocolate Mousse but I mistakenly made next week’s choice. Perhaps it was a Freudian slip since I will be out of the high-altitude by next week. Can’t imagine making a souffle at 8200′.)
Pâte à Choux dough, a cooked mixture of milk, butter and flour to which eggs are added. Then, once put into puffs, it’s baking time.
I arrived in Colorado five weeks ago not only to celebrate my husband’s life but also to bring closure to the past 26 years. Now, it’s all about the memories. What I didn’t realize was there would have to be decisions made, sooner rather than later, about the path ahead. To be truthful, no one is pushing or prodding me to do anything, it’s me.
The little puffs are oven-ready and will be baked at 375 degrees for 12-15 minutes. I needed the full 15 minutes to get them golden, firm, and puffy.
I always need to have A Plan. Organization is my middle name. Just love Lists. I thrive in a structured environment, with borders and roadmaps. For better or for worse, this is the skill set packed into my DNA toolbox. In fact, I once had a male friend who remarked, “I think I was put on this earth to make you spontaneous.”
Magic Puffs
Not too surprising, that friendship couldn’t last long! There probably is not one spontaneous bone in my body. My recent huffing and puffing about my “Make No Big Decisions for 12 Months” edict, is not going to happen. I knew I wanted to simplify my life. The first question was: What is that? And, the second question: How can I do it? Then, along came Atticus, a five-pound miniature schnauzer.
The filling, a mixture of herbed goat cheese, cream cheese and heavy cream is absolutely scrumptious. (tasty on Triscuits, too)
When I first got to Aspen, my friend, Jane, stopped by with a book, “Following Atticus, 48 high peaks, one little dog, and an entraordinary friendship.” “When you have time,” she said, “read this.”
Last week-end I finally did just that. “Following Atticus” is ultimately a story of transformation. It’s written by Tom Ryan, who, ironically, is a journalist also. By the time I finished it, my questions had been answered. I had a blueprint for the future. And, somehow, I would find the energy to bring it to fruition.
Next week I leave Aspen to return to Nevada for the winter………..with A Plan.
“The good of going into the mountains is that Life is reconsidered.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
To see how my colleagues who made the right recipe this week fared, go to our FFWD site.
I can’t wait to make these this weekend! Looks so good. And mousse doesn’t work at high altiture? Didn’t realize!
Of course, mousse plays well at High Altitude, Mardi. What I didn’t say in this week’s Post was that I have had Acute Bronchitis the past 10 days and have been sorta hanging on by my fingernails. I just didn’t want to whine about it. So, not only did I make the wrong recipe this week, but I also translated mousse into souffle (in my mind). Souffles need to rise, mousses do not! It’s taking two Z-Pacs but I’m almost on-the-mend and am now trying to re-engage my brain!
Mary, those look delicious! I can’t wait to have you back in the neighborhood. At first, I thought you got a dog…do you have the book and if so, may I borrow it? Let’s make some goodies, share a glass of wine and catch up very soon.
Back next week, Michelle. Already ordered some Atticus copies so, yes, you can borrow. Let’s share LOTS of glasses of vino.
Mary, how delicious. I’m afraid if I served these as an appetizer I’d eat so many I’d just have to forget the main meal!
Can’t wait to make these puffs-they look scrumptious!
I am so excited to make these now! It seems we are total opposites (I hate planning!) but I think that means we would get along! Hope the move goes smoothly and I am going to check out that book. Reading Winter of the World by Ken Follett right now – I love me some KF!
Hi Mary,
Day 2 of normality for me, no hurricanes, no Nor’Easters… I’m hoping to convince my husband to make these puffs. I have too many baking fears.
I always wanted to climb the 46 Peaks of the Adirondack Mountains, but at this point in my life I don’t think I’ll do it.
Diane, I didn’t have the heart to ask any of you in the Path about your Nor’Easter repercussions but am glad to know you escaped that. Isn’t it wonderful to return to “normal”? That’s now my goal also. I always wanted to climb Mount Kilimanjaro but that moment has now passed for me also.
Good luck moving forward with your plan! These puffs look amazing. I’m pretty excited about trying them. I didn’t get around to making the mousse this week, but I’ve made it many times before, and trust me, it is DELICIOUS.
Cher:
Mary – Thank you for the preview of the puffs. I am looking forward to them – especially after this week’s mishaps.
I can’t wait to see what’s next for you.
yours look really good! I wonder if using different cheeses would work well with this one? I should make some with chocolate just because 🙂 I’m sure your going to love the mousse when you get to it, and btw – LOVE the book recommendation!
Oh Mary its so impressive the way you face things head on. I wish you all the best with your plan! Its good to know these puffs are so good. I’m going to look for Atticus:) All the best to you.
I really love the quotes in your post. The key is how to quiet the mind…I need to learn that. I am putting this book on the top of my reading list and I am so happy for you that you have arrived at a Plan! Your goat cheese puffs look fabulous. Thanks for the preview – I can’t wait to make these.
Mary – best of luck with your new plan. I absolutely understand you. I am the ultimate list maker and planer. And thanks for the preview for next week. I was actually wondering how those were supposed to look.
Mary, your Goat Cheese Mini Magis Puffs look wonderful – just perfect little appetizers! I am looking forward to making them next week. And the best of luck with all your plans!
Mary, thank you so much for giving us a preview of next week’s recipe! Having seen how good they turned out I am very eager to make it! Do try the mousse I’m sure you’re gonna love it! I wish you a good and fruitful winter in Nevada!
Your puffs look way better than my mousse! But hopefully you’ll enjoy it if you get the chance with your move. Hope your trip back is great. I’m always looking for a great new book – that looks wonderful – thanks for the tip!
Travel Safe!!
Hi Mary, Nice to see a preview of the cheese puffs. I’m psyched to make them. You will enjoy the mousse once you it. Delicious! Congratulations on arriving at a plan! Can’t wait to see it unfold. I am going to get a copy of Atticus. As you know, I’m 2 months into a year’s journey to arrive at a plan, different circumstances than you, but seeking a plan, nonetheless. Maybe Atticus can give me guidance. Thanks for the tip. I hope your bronchitis is gone soon. Feel better!
It´s always good to see what we´re supposed to make beforehand! They look gorgeous, just perfect Mary! Life is always changing and there´s nothing we can do about it. But if you´re happy with a plan, I´m glad you´re able to make one and stick to it. Have a great week!
Mary, Moving forward with a plan is a good thing!! My DNA also likes structure…I even make a mental list in the evening of the things I want to get done the next day. Usually the list is too grand, but at least I work toward an end. Good luck with your trip to Nevada and with your life plans!!
Love your puffs…they look perfect and you’re going to love the mousse! It was delicious!! Feel better and have safe journey!!
For 2 seconds, I thought the mini puffs were this Friday’s assignment as well. I did a double take!
I can’t wait to make these. Yours turned out fabulous!
I admire your list making qualities. I wish had some of my own!
I am inspired to read Atticus and eat gougere
These are so golden, puffy and delicious looking!
Hope you’re feeling better, my friend! And thanks for the preview of this week’s recipe…I plan to make it tomorrow 🙂 I like having a plan, too (you should see the Post-Its covering my desk…but some things can’t be completely planned. I hope the transition back to NV goes well. xo
All we need is a chair in the Tuilleries Gardens and a Kir! Yervy nicely done, Mary!
And, I’m passing your book recommendation along to a friend who loves dogs.
I can’t wait to see what you have up your sleeve!