fontina filled pastry puffs in brodo

By stancec44

These crisp and light puffs of pastry may remind you of profiteroles, but instead of a sweet filling, they are filled with melted fontina, a perfect accompaniment for brodo.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 ounces fontina cheese, grated (3/4 cup)
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Fine sea salt
• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg white
• Pinch freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch cinnamon
• Pinch ground clove
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• 6 cups homemade Meat Broth
• Special equipment: a pastry bag with an 1/8-inch tip

Details

Servings 6

Preparation

Step 1

Heat oven to 400° with rack in center. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a small saucepan, combine cheese and milk; set aside.

Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, combine water, butter and pinch salt; heat over medium heat until butter is melted. Add flour and, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, stir until mixture pulls away from sides of pan and forms a ball. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes (do not brown). Transfer mixture to a large bowl and let cool to room temperature, then add egg white, pepper, cinnamon and clove and, using your hands, mix well to fully combine. Divide dough into 2 pieces. Using the palm of your hand, roll 1 piece into a rope, about 1 inch in diameter and 9 inches long. Cut crosswise into 9 (1-inch) pieces. Repeat with remaining dough. Roll pieces into balls and put onto prepared baking sheet; bake until pastry croutons are lightly golden, about 30 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let croutons cool to room temperature.

In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water. Heat reserved milk mixture over medium heat until warm; add cornstarch mixture and, stirring constantly, cook until mixture is thickened and smooth, about 5 minutes. Transfer mixture to pastry bag. Insert tip into side or bottom of each crouton, and fill.

In a medium saucepan, bring broth to a boil. Ladle into serving bowls. Add croutons and serve.