Pão de Queijo (Brazilian cheese buns)

Makes about 20 rolls

Pães de queijo are tasty little cheese buns popular in Brazil. They are made with yuca (cassava) flour, which gives them an interesting taste and texture and makes them a gluten-free treat. Modern Brazilians can purchase packaged mixes or buy pães de queijo from street vendors, but homemade is best. Serve pão de queijo with coffee for breakfast.

ingredients

Milk -- 1 cup
Oil or butter -- 1/4 cup
Salt -- 1/2 teaspoon
Yuca (cassava) flour -- 1 pound
Eggs -- 3
Grated parmesan cheese -- 1 cup

directions

Preparation

1
Preheat oven to 375°F. Bring the milk, oil or butter and salt to a boil in a large saucepan over medium-high flame.
2
Remove from heat and slowly whisk in the yuca flour until it forms a smooth batter. Set aside to cool somewhat, 10-15 minutes.
3
Beat in the eggs one at a time until they are fully incorporated, then stir in the parmesan cheese.
4
Form 2-3 tablespoons of the batter at a time into balls with moistened hands and set on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake until puffed and golden brown, 15-20 minutes. Serve hot.

Variations

1
Chipás (Argentina): form the batter into biscuit or donut shapes before baking.
2
Try using different types of grated cheese.
3
Add a pinch of dried oregano or basil to the batter.
4
Cornstarch is sometimes substituted for the yuca flour.

Source: Whats4Eats - Brad Harvey