Pao de Quejo, Cheese Puff thingies

[Suzanne F]

Pao de Quejo, Cheese Puff thingies

Not exactly the Brazilian version, but South American nonetheless. This is an adaptation of a more authentic recipe. Parmesan, gruyere, or another relatively dry cheese should work; maybe even a well-drained feta, but then adjust the salt. Spice them if you like.

Cassava starch = yuca flour = manioc flour = tapioca flour. If you cannot find it, process pearl tapioca in the food processor until it is ground to flour.

• 2 c grated cheese -- something on the dryish side
  
• 1 c cassava starch, preferably sour
  
• 1-1/2 tsp baking powder
  
• 1 tsp salt or to taste
  
• cayenne to taste, if desired
  
• 1 eggs
  
• Butter for the baking sheet
  

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Put the cheese, starch, baking powder, salt, and cayenne (if using) in the bowl of a food processor, with the steel blade. Process just to mix and combine cheese into other ingredients. Add the egg(s) and process until the dough forms a ball and rolls around in the bowl (3 minutes?).

Roll pieces of about 1 tablespoon into balls. Space out on butter baking sheet or on a parchment-covered sheet (if cheese has relatively high fat content). Baked until golden and puffed, 20 to 25 minutes.

Serve hot.

makes about 3 dozen pieces

Keywords: Hors d'oeuvre, Amuse, Cheese, Easy

( RG573 )