Freeze and Bake Puffs

Submitted by TishT

"There are times when you want something somewhat elegant to throw into you guest menu...just a "plain" lunch can be prettier with this "puffs". They are not difficult and don't take up much space in your freezer. Put something like chicken salad, or ice cream with fresh berries on top. You could make smaller ones for appetizers with creative fillings. Freezer storage is around 1 month so these would be great to make ahead for a party."

 

• Ready In: 1hr 25mins
• Ingredients: 4
• Yields: 5 dozen

ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1⁄2 cup butter or 1/2 cup margarine
• 1 cup flour
• 4 eggs

directions

1. In a small saucepan, heat water and butter to a rolling boil. Stir in flour. Stir vigorously over low heat until mixture forms a ball, about 1 minute. Remove from heat. Beat in eggs, all at one time; continue beating until smooth. Drop dough, around a 1/4 cup onto ungreased baking sheet. Place baking sheet uncovered in freezer; freeze until solid, about 4 hours.
2. Remove from freezer; with spatula, quickly loosen puffs and place in freezer bag. Seal bag and store in freezer until ready to bake.
3. Heat oven to 400°F Place frozen puffs 3 inches apart on ungreased baking sheet. Bake 45 to 50 minutes or until puffed and golden.
4. Cool away from draft. Cut off tops with sharp knife. Pull out any filaments of soft dough.
5. For a luncheon main dish, fill with creamed chicken, chicken salad, tuna salad.
6. For dessert, fill with ice cream and top with sundae sauce or fresh or frozen berries.
7. Appetizer Puffs: Drop dough, by slightly rounded teaspoonfuls. Freeze and bake 25 to 30 minutes or until puffed and golden. Fill with a variety of cream cheese based filling or get creative.