Deviled Ham Beer Puffs

If the return of Mad Men has you wanting to put on your best Betty Draper-Francis hostess act, sans cigarettes, dysfunctional relationships and kids running around with plastic bags on their heads, have I got a treat for you.  An updated take on a 60s classic, these puffs are perfect for a wedding/baby shower, Spring brunch or luncheon, or a swanky cocktail party full of throw-back appetizers.

If you’ve ever been intimidated by making this kind of puff for savory or sweet treats, don’t be, I’m here to tell you they could not be easier.  They come together in no time, with minimal effort, and the beer adds an amazing dimension to the flavor.  Don’t listen to those silly recipes telling you to put the dough in a pastry bag and pipe them, they’re just as gorgeous by simply dropping them by tablespoons.

I tried these with the filling cold and hot – both are wonderful.  I liked them hot because the cheese gets all gooey and melty, but be warned, they get super messy this way – serve lots of napkins.

The strawberries, cheese and ham make a super yummy and interesting combo of sweet and salty, don’t be scared.

Beer Puffs

Ingredients:

1 cup Wolaver’s India Pale Ale, any quality IPA will work

1 cup King Arthur All-Purpose Flour

1 stick unsalted butter

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon sugar

4 large eggs

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  In a medium saucepan, bring beer and butter to a boil over medium-high heat.  Cut heat back to medium and stir in flour, salt and sugar.  Keep mixing until dough forms a ball.  Remove from heat and add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition.

Drop tablespoons of dough onto a Silpat lined cookie sheet.  Bake for 18 minutes.  Remove from oven and allow to cool.

Deviled Ham Filling

Ingredients:

1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened

2 4.5-ounce cans deviled ham

1/2 cup Cabot Extra Sharp Cheddar, shredded

1/2 cup strawberries, chopped

1 teaspoon horseradish

2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

3 tablespoons chives

1/2 teaspoon sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.  Refrigerate overnight.

To assemble:

Slice puffs crosswise.  Fill puffs with tablespoon of ham mixture.

If serving hot, preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Place puffs on a lined cookie sheet and bake for 6 minutes.

About these ads