Puff Shells: (1 dozen)
1 cup Water
½ cup Butter (1 stick), cut into quarters
¼ tsp Salt
1 cup Flour
4 Eggs, at room temp.
1.Preheat oven to 400°F
2.In a medium saucepan, bring the water, butter, and salt to a boil over medium heat. Add the flour all at once and stir quickly with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball; remove pan from the heat.
3.Add 1 egg and beat with the wooden spoon to blend. Add the remaining eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. When the dough is smooth, spoon 1/4-cup mounds of dough onto a cookie sheet, leaving 2 inches between each dough.
4.Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until golden and puffy. Transfer the puffs to a wire rack and let cool completely. With a sharp knife, cut puffs in half horizontally before filling.
For Lunch/Dinner: fill puffs w/ tuna, chicken, egg, or seafood salad.
For Dessert: fill puffs w/ pudding, mousse, or custard & top w/ whipped cream, chocolate chips or other garnishes.
Tip: to make mini-puff shells, drop by tablespoonfuls & bake for 20-25 minutes, or til golden.