Hazelnut Shrimp Cheese Puffs

Hazelnut Shrimp Cheese Puffs Recipe - Delicious Party Appetizer

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Hazelnut Shrimp Cheese Puffs are a delightful and savory appetizer that combines the rich flavors of shrimp, cheese, and hazelnuts in a light and fluffy cream puff. These puffs are perfect for any special occasion or gathering, and are sure to impress your guests with their unique and delicious taste.

History

The origins of Hazelnut Shrimp Cheese Puffs are not entirely clear, but they are believed to have been inspired by traditional cream puff recipes that have been adapted and enhanced with the addition of shrimp, cheese, and hazelnuts. This combination of flavors creates a truly decadent and irresistible appetizer that is sure to be a hit at any event.

Ingredients

8.25 oz (234 g) can of well-drained pineapple
0.5 cup of shredded carrot
0.5 lb (227 g) of ricotta cheese
0.5 cup of plain yogurt
1 tsp of lemon juice
4.25 oz (120 g) cans of small shrimp, drained
2 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
0.5 cup of roasted and chopped Oregon hazelnuts
1 recipe of Appetizer cream Puffs

How to prepare

1. Combine the first five ingredients.
2. Fold in the shrimp, eggs, and nuts.
3. Cover and chill.
4. Just before serving, spoon a rounded tablespoon of filling into each cream puff.
5. For the appetizer cream puffs, melt 0.5 cup of butter or margarine in 1 cup of boiling water in a saucepan.
6. Add 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 0.25 tsp of salt all at once; stir vigorously.
7. Cook and stir until the mixture forms a ball that does not separate.
8. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
9. Add 4 eggs, one at a time, beating until smooth after each addition.
10. Drop level tablespoons of dough 3 inches apart on a greased baking sheet.
11. Bake at 400°F for 25 minutes.
12. Cool on a rack.
13. Cut off the top third of each puff.
14. Remove any soft dough from inside.

Variations

Substitute the shrimp with cooked chicken or crab meat for a different flavor.
Add diced bell peppers or celery for extra crunch and flavor.
Use different types of nuts, such as almonds or pecans, for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain the pineapple and shrimp well to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

- Be sure to fold in the shrimp, eggs, and nuts gently to avoid breaking up the ingredients.

- Chill the filling before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

- When making the cream puffs, be sure to follow the instructions carefully to ensure they turn out light and fluffy.

- Store any leftover puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hazelnut Shrimp Cheese Puffs as an appetizer at a party or gathering, or as a light lunch or dinner with a side salad.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to fold in the ingredients gently to avoid breaking up the shrimp and eggs.

- Chill the filling before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Bake the cream puffs until they are golden brown and puffed up.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute the ricotta cheese with cream cheese or cottage cheese.

- Use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt for a tangier flavor.

- Replace the hazelnuts with almonds, pecans, or walnuts.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the filling up to 1 day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

- Bake the cream puffs ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Hazelnut Shrimp Cheese Puffs on a platter garnished with fresh herbs or lemon wedges. - Arrange the puffs on a tiered serving tray for an elegant presentation. - Sprinkle extra chopped hazelnuts on top of the puffs for added crunch.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Hazelnut Shrimp Cheese Puffs with a crisp white wine or sparkling water.

- Pair them with a side salad or vegetable platter for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Reheat the puffs in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Hazelnut Shrimp Cheese Puffs contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Hazelnut Shrimp Cheese Puffs contains approximately 12 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Hazelnut Shrimp Cheese Puffs contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Hazelnut Shrimp Cheese Puffs contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Hazelnut Shrimp Cheese Puffs are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

Hazelnut Shrimp Cheese Puffs contain shellfish, eggs, dairy, and nuts.

Summary

Hazelnut Shrimp Cheese Puffs are a delicious and indulgent appetizer that is rich in fats and proteins, making them a satisfying treat for any occasion.

Summary

Hazelnut Shrimp Cheese Puffs are a delicious and elegant appetizer that is perfect for any special occasion. With their rich and savory flavors, light and fluffy texture, and easy preparation, these puffs are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Hazelnut Shrimp Cheese Puffs. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to attend a cooking class hosted by a renowned chef in town. The class was held in a cozy little kitchen filled with the aromas of various herbs and spices. As I settled in and took a seat at the wooden table, the chef began to introduce himself and the dish we would be learning to make that day.

He explained that Hazelnut Shrimp Cheese Puffs were a unique and flavorful appetizer that combined the rich taste of hazelnuts with the succulent flavor of shrimp and the creamy texture of cheese. My mouth watered at the description, and I couldn't wait to get started.

The chef began by demonstrating how to prepare the hazelnuts. He showed us how to toast them in a skillet until they were golden brown and fragrant, then crush them into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle. The aroma that filled the room was intoxicating, and I knew that this dish was going to be something special.

Next, the chef showed us how to prepare the shrimp. He peeled and deveined them, then seasoned them with a mixture of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. He sautéed the shrimp in a hot pan until they were perfectly cooked, then set them aside to cool.

As the shrimp cooled, the chef demonstrated how to make the cheese mixture. He combined cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and a touch of mayonnaise in a bowl, then added the crushed hazelnuts and chopped green onions. The mixture was creamy and flavorful, with the perfect balance of savory and nutty flavors.

Once the shrimp had cooled, the chef chopped them into small pieces and folded them into the cheese mixture. He then spooned the mixture onto squares of puff pastry, folded them into triangles, and sealed the edges with a fork. The chef brushed the tops of the puffs with melted butter and sprinkled them with more crushed hazelnuts before baking them in the oven until they were golden brown and crispy.

The smell that filled the kitchen as the puffs baked was absolutely heavenly. I couldn't wait to taste the finished product and see if it lived up to my expectations.

When the puffs were finally ready, the chef removed them from the oven and plated them on a large serving tray. The golden brown pastry was flaky and crisp, and the cheese filling oozed out with each bite. I eagerly took a bite and was immediately transported to flavor heaven.

The combination of the sweet hazelnuts, succulent shrimp, and creamy cheese was absolutely divine. Each bite was a burst of flavor in my mouth, and I couldn't help but go back for seconds. The chef beamed with pride as he watched us all enjoy his creation, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.

As the class came to an end, I made sure to thank the chef for sharing his recipe with us. He smiled and handed me a copy of the recipe card, telling me that he hoped I would enjoy making Hazelnut Shrimp Cheese Puffs for my family and friends.

And enjoy them I did. Over the years, I have made this dish countless times for various gatherings and special occasions. Each time, it is met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe. I always smile and think back to that warm summer day when I first discovered the joy of Hazelnut Shrimp Cheese Puffs, and how it all started with a sense of anticipation and a love for cooking.