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Savory Puffs with Raw Ham

17/11/2023

Savory puffs with raw ham are an elegant and delicious option for an appetizer or a snack during a formal dinner or aperitif. The base of the puff is the choux pastry, which can be stuffed with a cheese cream and wrapped with a slice of raw ham when serving.

Here is the recipe for savory puffs with raw ham.

Ingredients

For the choux pastry:

  • 125 ml of water
  • 50 g of butter
  • A pinch of salt
  • 75 g of flour
  • 2 large eggs

For the filling:

  • 200 g of cream cheese (such as Philadelphia)
  • 2 tablespoons of fresh cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped chives (optional)

To complete:

  • 100 g of thin slices of raw ham
  • Chives for garnish (optional)

Preparation

  1. Prepare the choux pastry: Bring the water to a boil with the butter and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Remove from the heat and pour all the flour in at once, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon. Put the saucepan back on the heat and continue stirring until the mixture pulls away from the sides, forming a ball.

  2. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly. Add one egg at a time, incorporating it completely before adding the next. You should obtain a smooth and homogeneous dough.

  3. With the help of a piping bag, form the puffs on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Remember to space them out because they will grow during cooking.

  4. Bake in a preheated oven at 200 °C for about 20-25 minutes, until they are puffed and golden. Do not open the oven during cooking to prevent the puffs from deflating.

  5. Prepare the filling: Mix the cream cheese with the cream until a smooth cream is obtained. Season with salt, pepper, and, if desired, chopped chives.

  6. Once the puffs are cool, cut a cap on the top and fill them with the cheese cream.

  7. Wrap each puff with a slice of raw ham and garnish with chives. Serve immediately.

Enjoy your savory puffs with raw ham accompanied by a glass of sparkling white wine, such as Prosecco, to enhance the delicate flavor of the cheese and the contrast with the saltiness of the ham. Enjoy your meal!

Curiosity

Puffs are a very versatile preparation in the kitchen and can be adapted to many variations, both sweet and savory. The choux pastry, used for their creation, is named after the French pastry chef Jean Avice who, in the 18th century, worked in the kitchen of a famous Parisian pâtissier, Marie-Antoine Carême.

Savory Puffs with Raw Ham