Early-morning rush to get to work or to school sometimes means little or no breakfast. Or perhaps just a few spoonfuls of cold cereal and a gulp of milk or coffee.

 

It doesn’t have to be that way, as long as you prepare ahead.
Here’s a breakfast treat you can make at home that takes just a little effort: Cheese puffs.

 

When fresh out of the oven, these puffs taste great and smell heavenly. You can eat them alone or enhance them with a generous pat of very good butter and/or some fruit preserves or jam.

 

These puffs can also take the place of sandwich bread. Just slice them sideways and fill with tuna sandwich filling, sardines or even leftover “adobo.”

 

If you’re too busy to do this on a weekday, try making them on a weekend when everyone is more relaxed and has time for a leisurely breakfast.

 

Cheese Puffs

Makes about 12 puffs

½ cup butter, cut into chunks

1 cup water

1 cup all purpose flour

½ teaspoon salt

4 eggs

1 cup grated Cheddar cheese

 

Preheat the oven to 190 degrees Celsius. Combine the butter and water in a large pan or casserole. Heat until the butter melts completely and the mixture comes to a boil. Immediately remove from heat.

 

Pour in the flour and salt and stir briskly until well combined and mixture forms into a ball. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir until smooth. Fold in the cheese.

 

Line a muffin pan with paper baking cups (like those used for cupcakes). Scoop mounds of the batter into the baking cups, filling each one about 2/3 full.Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.

 

Serve with jam, fruit preserves or butter. You can also slice the puffs in the center and fill them with your favorite sandwich filling.

 

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