Périgord Gougères

Introduction to Périgord Gougères

Périgord Gougères are delightful cheese puffs deeply rooted in the culinary tradition of the Périgord region in France, an area celebrated for its gastronomy. These savory pastries are made from choux pastry and filled or flavored with cheese, commonly gruyère. The Périgord region, renowned for its truffles, often incorporates this exquisite ingredient into the gougères, elevating them into a luxurious appetizer perfect for entertaining or enjoying alongside wine.

Ingredients

• Water - 1/2 cup
• Milk - 1/2 cup
• Unsalted Butter - 1/2 cup, cut into small pieces
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• All-Purpose Flour - 1 cup
• Eggs - 4 large
• Gruyère Cheese, grated - 1 cup
• Black Pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Optional: Truffles or Truffle Oil for garnish

Preparation

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Making the Choux Pastry

In a medium saucepan, combine water, milk, butter, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, add flour all at once, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a ball, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Incorporating the Eggs

Let the dough cool for a [short period](./cooking%20timer) before adding eggs, one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in gruyère cheese and season with black pepper.

Step 4: Piping or Scooping

Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip, or use a spoon, to pipe or scoop small, walnut-sized rounds onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Cooking Process

Step 1: Baking the Gougères

Bake in the preheated oven for [10 minutes](./cooking%20timer) at 425°F. Then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C), without opening the door, and continue to bake until puffed and golden brown, approximately 20 to 25 minutes.

Step 2: Adding Truffle Flavor

If desired, infuse the baked gougères with the rich aroma of truffles by lightly drizzling with truffle oil or placing a small shaving of truffle on top of each puff before serving.

How to Enjoy Périgord Gougères

Gougères are best enjoyed fresh from the oven when they are crispy on the outside and tender, cheesy on the inside. They are a perfect aperitif when paired with a chilled glass of Chablis or Champagne. These delicate cheese puffs also make a sophisticated starter at dinner parties, impressing guests with their exquisite blend of textures and flavors. For a more extravagant experience, consider serving the gougères with duck pâté, another delicacy from the Périgord region.