1large egg whisked with 1 teaspoon water(for egg wash)
For the filling:
2tablespoonsunsalted butter
2 1/2cupsdiced applessuch as Gala, Lady Crisp or Fuji
1teaspooncinnamon
1/8teaspoonall spice
1/8teaspoonground clove
1/4cupagave nectar
1/4cuphard ciderI used Stella Artois Cidre
3slicesof prosciutto
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Instructions
For the Gougères:
Preheat the oven to 425° F. Prepare two baking sheets by lining with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
In a medium saucepan, warm the skim milk, butter, salt, and pepper over medium heat. Bring it to a bubble and whisk the butter until it is completely melted.
Add the flour and using a wooden spoon, stir vigorously for about 5 minutes. It will be extremely thick and form into a ball.
Place this into a food processor or the bowl of an electric mixer, add the eggs and cheddar cheese, and pulse until it is creamy and fully combined.
Using a tiny ice cream scoop or a pastry bag with a 1 inch tip (I prefer the ice cream scoop for ease, just dip in hot water periodically), place about 1 tablespoon sized mounds on the prepared baking tray, about 20 puffs per tray, with about 1 inch spaces between. If the mounds are not perfectly round, use a wet fingertip to lightly pat into shape.
At this point, you can place your baking trays in the freezer to bake at a later point. Otherwise, continue by lightly brushing each puff with the egg wash, then bake in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
For the Filling:
Make the filling by melting the butter in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the apples and stir in the cinnamon, allspice, and ground clove.
When the apples are fragrant, stir in the agave nectar and hard cider. Let the apples cook down until they are tender and the liquid is syrupy. Set aside.
Crisp the prosciutto in a non stick skillet and set aside.
Assembly:
Assemble the gougères by removing the tops of the baked puffs, filling them with a teaspoon or two of apple and topping with a sliver of crisp prosciutto. Serve immediately.