MINI HOT DOGS IN CHEDDAR BUNS

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Mini Hot Dogs in Cheddar Buns image

These hot dog buns look very much like éclairs, which is no coincidence - they're made from _pâte à choux_ instead of yeast dough. For more information about making _pâte à choux_, see If the Choux Fits Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 1 1/4 hr

Yield Serves 12 children (makes about 40)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 1/4 cups water
1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
5 large eggs
1/4 lb extra-sharp Cheddar, coarsely grated (2 cups)
1 (12-oz) package cocktail frankfurters
Special equipment: a large sealable plastic bag (not pleated)
Accompaniments: yellow mustard and/or homemade ketchup

Steps:

  • Bring water, butter, and salt to a boil in a 4-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat. Reduce heat to low and add flour all at once, then cook, beating with a wooden spoon, until mixture pulls away from side of pan, about 2 minutes.
  • Transfer mixture to a bowl, then cool slightly. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well with an electric mixer at medium-high speed (or beating vigorously with wooden spoon) after each addition (batter will be stiff). Add cheese and beat until combined.
  • Put oven racks in upper and lower thirds of oven and preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly butter 2 large baking sheets.
  • Snip off 1 corner of plastic bag to create a 1-inch opening and transfer cheese mixture to bag, pressing out excess air. Twist bag firmly just above filling, then pipe 18 to 20 (2 1/2- by 1- by 3/4-inch) lengths, about 2 inches apart, onto each baking sheet.
  • Bake, switching position of sheets halfway through baking, until buns are puffed and pale golden, about 30 minutes total.
  • Make 1 1/2-inch lengthwise slits in tops of buns with a sharp paring knife and let dry in turned-off oven 10 minutes.
  • While buns dry, heat a dry well-seasoned grill pan or heavy skillet over high heat until it smokes. Reduce heat to moderate and cook frankfurters, turning, until heated through and golden brown, about 5 minutes.
  • Remove buns from oven and nestle a frankfurter in each opening.

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