Pao de Queijo - Brazilian Cheese bread

On a trip to Edinburgh, we discovered a Brazilian cafe. It,s a joy to discover new foods and tastes and these cheesy buns were so tasty I brought a bag home with me. (They never got that far - they were gone by Calton Hill)

Preparation time: 15 minutes   Quantity: Makes approx. 12   Cooking time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

450g / 1 lb. manioc starch (polvilho) or tapioca
starch
1/4 pint / 135 ml sunflower oil
190 ml semi skimmed milk
3 eggs large beaten
30g/ 1 oz Parmesan cheese - grated
120g / 4 oz cheddar - grated

Method

  • In a pan bring the oil and milk to the boil
  • Add the hot liquid to the starch
  • Mix and allow to cool a little
  • Beat in the eggs, gradually
  • Mix in the cheese and make sure the mix is well stirred
  • With damp hands divide the mixture in to 12 plum sized balls
  • Oil your hands a little and roll the balls round to make smooth oiled balls
  • Place on a greased tray - apart as they rise
  • Bake in a preheated oven gas 6 / 220*c / 375*f - for 10 - 12 minutes, or until light golden, risen and soft
  • Serve straight out of the oven or warm