- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup water
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 4 eggs
- 3 tablespoons finely diced gruyére (won’t hurt to add 1 tbsp more if omitting other additions)
- 4 oil-packed anchovy fillets, drained, patted dry and diced
- 5 oil-cured black olives, pitted and chopped (I used more)
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
I had my heart set on an entirely different post for today but the cold, rainy weather stomped on my plans. Who wants to read about a cold salad, no matter how good it is or how interesting the background story may be (at least in my mind), when it’s wet outside and all you want to do is curl up in front of the fire. I’ll save that post for another day.
I decided to make something warm but leftovers in the refrigerator took dessert, a big pot of soup or a hearty main dish out of the equation. Instead, I opted for these gougéres. Cheese puffs are easy to make (so I say after conquering my gougére fear) and they are a nice accompaniment to wine before dinner.
But I tried something different today. In addition to gruyére cheese, I also threw in some chopped olives and anchovies for a more savory punch. I realize that the inclusion of anchovies may not earn these a spot on your must-try list but I assure you, they’re quite good. After being teased by the cheesy, anchovy aromas coming out of the oven, the first bite will not disappoint.
The crispy puffs lead the way for the sharp nuttiness of the gruyére then take your taste buds for a salty spin. Not too salty, though. Just enough to get a hint of the marinated olives and anchovies. The two don’t overpower at all but you know you’re enjoying a different kind of gougére when you bite into these.
So would you try them? I encourage you to. If not, omitting the anchovies and substituting sun-dried tomatoes would work, too.
By the way, you still have a chance to win my giveaway here. It’s been good to learn what people like (or dislike) about this blog. Someone recommended no more anchovy recipes and that made me smile. I think that would be a hopeless goal for me, don’t you think? 🙂 Still, I have appreciated everyone’s comments and suggestions. My request for your input was not meant to be a catalyst for a major shift in my blogging style but more to find out how to better organize my recipe lineup.
Positive feedback and constructive criticism will always be welcome here and I want you to know that having you for an audience has been the best part about having this blog. So drop by my giveaway while there’s still time! I’ll be accepting comments until October 24.
Olive and Anchovy Gougéres
Adapted from: Williams-Sonoma’s Savoring Appetizers
January says
they look so light and yummy! and i love the basket too 🙂
lemonsandanchovies says
Thanks, Jan! The basket was a souvenir from my last trip. I had to take it home with me. 🙂
Baking Barrister says
you’ve inspired me to make my own gougeres! with sharp cheddar. and blue cheese. maybe goat cheese. no anchovies though 😉
lemonsandanchovies says
Ooh, I like the idea of mixing cheeses in the gougeres. Totally understand about skipping the anchovies. 🙂
torviewtoronto says
delicious puffs never had with anchovies
Monet says
These are just beautiful. You have such skill with the camera (and in the kitchen, of course) I loved how you arranged your gougeres spilling out of that basket. You made me want to spread out a blanket and enjoy a fall picnic. Thank you for sharing, and for your kind words on my blog.
Sara says
Oh boy! Do these look amazing! I need to try these soon. Can i stop by and get some?
lemonsandanchovies says
Sara, you are welcome to come over any time! 🙂
Ben says
I love this. The addition of anchovies sounds amazing! I bet capers would be good in there, too. 🙂
lemonsandanchovies says
I like the way you think, Ben. I think you’re right about the capers. 🙂
eatgreek.net says
excellent recipe! 😀
Island Vittles says
your photos are beautiful! I love gougeres with a glass of wine…Theresa
Cristina, from Buenos Aires to Paris says
These amuse-guele with your personal touch are great !! Could you send me 50 via Fedex?
Lovely photos !!!
Dimah says
Wow these look absolutely amazing! the photos are gorgeous!
Amy Bakes Everything says
Yummy! I love olives and anchovies and I, too, have a fear of those gourges (see? I can’t even type them).
Jennifer @ Maple n Cornbread says
Absolutely gorgeous photos and these gougeres would be perfect for entertaining!
wheelsandlollipops says
Lovely photos and I love the idea of adding in olives to the gougéres perfect idea for the apéro ! I tend to mix in a few cheeses such as comte and beaufort into mine but will give this a shot.
Chocolate Shavings says
Those gougeres look lovely – beautiful photos!
sippitysup says
Fantastic combination of flavors. I see you listened to my suggestion of what I wanted to see more of too. GREG
scarpettakate says
oh, i love a gougere. the perfect nibble with a glass of wine. and with anchovy? that’s just genius!
Claudia says
Gougeres compel me to do a happy dance. love the extra savoriness in yours.
Lisa { AuthenticSuburbanGourmet } says
Jean – love how you incorporated fall into your photos along with keeping authentic to your love of anchovies! I love making gougeres and eating them even more. I think I may need whip up a batch tonight. Charles LOVES anchovies and would love to have eaten one that you made! Enjoy the rainy weekend with your hubby!
tasteofbeirut says
Love the idea of gougères with olives and anchovies! sounds so much more interesting to the palate than the ones with just cheese! BRavo
Green Girl says
Oh my, these look absolutely divine. Love your photos, love the gougeres, love the basket, love reading your blog.
Bebe Mama (Judy) says
By all means, anchovy-away in your cooking! After all, you gotta cook and eat what you love. 🙂 For those of us who don’t love anchovies, we’ll work around it. Heh. Your gougeres look light and delicious. Perfect for a cold day.
Adelina says
Interesting combination that I must try. Thanks for the recipe.
A Little Yumminess says
I want one now with a glass of wine!!
Cristina - TeenieCakes says
These gougeres look delicate and light. Except for the anchovies I think I have everything on hand to give these a try (I’d like to try it w/the anchovies too!). These look great with a warm bowl of soup, or salad and just as elegant for a party.
On another note, Jean…you’ve been tagged on my site! Please stop by and check it out 🙂
Patricia says
Just came across this on Pinterest. Love your blog. I’m new to it. And you had me at anchovy. Anything with anchovy and I’m in as family and friends will attest to. Another recipe for my arsenal of anchovy recipes. Thank you.
Jean says
Patricia, you’re my kind of people! So glad you came across the blog and I hope you enjoy this recipe if you try it. Thanks so much for saying hello!