Zesty Burger Puffs

Name: Zesty Burger Puffs
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 16 servings.
Ingredients: 1 cup water; 1/2 cup butter; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cornmeal; 4 eggs; FILLING:; 1-1/2 pounds ground beef; 1/2 cup chopped jalapeno peppers; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1-1/2 teaspoons salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/4 teaspoon lemon extract; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

I first tried these puffs while visiting a friend, who made them for her family as a treat during the Depression. When I see a new recipe, I like to experiment with it to make it my own. - Joyce, Wichita, Kansas

Ingredients

1 cup water
1/2 cup butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
4 eggs
FILLING:
1-1/2 pounds ground beef
1/2 cup chopped jalapeno peppers
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon lemon extract
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

In a large saucepan, bring water, butter and salt to a boil. Add flour and cornmeal all at once and stir until a smooth ball forms. Remove from the heat; let stand for 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue beating until mixture is smooth and shiny. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls 3 in. apart onto a greased baking sheet.
Bake at 400° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to a wire rack. Immediately split puffs open; remove tops and set aside. Discard soft dough from inside. Cool puffs.
Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, cook the beef, jalapenos and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add the tomato sauce, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, pepper and extract. Simmer for 30 minutes.
Fill puffs with beef mixture and sprinkle with cheese; replace tops. Serve immediately.

The puffs for Zesty Burger Puffs can be baked a day in advance and refrigerated in an airtight container. To reheat, place on a baking sheet; bake at 325° for 5 to 10 minutes. Split and remove soft dough. Fill with beef mixture and sprinkle with cheese; replace tops.