R2R: Cheese Puffs & Blue Cheese Crostini's

I do realize that we were supposed to make Gruyère Parmesan Cheese Gougères but I went with Mozzarella Puffs with Marinara Sauce instead cuz 1. I couldn't find Gruyère at our little Safeway and 2. Greg likes Mozzarella with Marinara Sauce. These puffs turned out REALLY yummy though and even good the next day reheated in the toaster oven.

Ingredients: (15 puffs)

½ c milk
8 Tbsp (1 stick) butter or margarine
½ c all-purpose flour
2 eggs
1 c shredded Mozzarella cheese
1 c marinara sauce, heated

Prep:

1. Preheat oven to 375ºF. Grease cookie sheet.

2. Heat milk and butter to boiling in 1 1/2-quart saucepan. Stir in flour; reduce heat to low. Stir vigorously about 1 minute or until mixture forms a ball; remove from heat.

3. Beat in eggs, one at a time, beating until smooth. Stir in cheese. Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto cookie sheet.

3. Bake about 15 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

My second choice was the Blue Cheese Walnut Crostini's. BUT I had to make a few changes as well (duh!) since we're not having a party and don't need an appetizer. SO I just made a Blue Cheese Walnut Dip instead and cut up a mini baguette. The dip was really smooth and yummy!

Ingredients:

1 baguette, thinly sliced about ½ inch each
1 pear, sliced
4 oz cream cheese, softened
½ c sour cream
1 Tbsp milk
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
4 oz blue cheese
¼ c walnuts, coarsely chopped, broiled for 2 to 3 min
Salt and pepper to taste

Prep:

1. Preheat oven to 400ºF. Brush bread slices with olive oil, line on a baking sheet, then bake for about 8 min until browned and crispy.

2. Beat cream cheese until creamy. Add sour cream, Worcestershire sauce and milk, stir until all is incorporated. Add blue cheese and walnuts, stir to combine. Cover and chill for 2 hours.