Nutty Cheese Balls

Ingredients

• 4 ounces water

• salt to taste

• pinch of ground nutmeg

• 1 ounce butter

• 4 ounces plain flour; sifted twice

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 2 ounces Gruyere cheese, grated

• 3 ounces flaked almonds 

• oil for frying

Method

Put water, salt, nutmeg and butter into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat, add flour all at once and beat until smooth. Beat in eggs a little at a time until mixture is smooth and glossy. Beat in cheese. Drop one teaspoon mixture into a shallow dish containing flaked almonds and roll into a ball. Put on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Repeat with rest of mixture. Heat a depth of 2 inch of oil in a heavy pan to 385°F and fry balls, 3 at a time, until golden brown all over. Drain on paper towels and keep warm while frying remainder.

Yield 24 balls

Tip: Make the balls in advance and leave them on the baking tray in a cool place until ready to cook. Serve with tomato sauce.

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