Brazilian Pão de Queijo (Cheese Bread)

• 1 1/4 c milk
• 1/2 c water
• 6 T vegetable oil
• 2 tsp salt
• 4 c tapioca flour (mine was from Bob’s Mill, available at Whole Foods)
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 c grated parmesan cheese
• 1 c shredded jack cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Combine the milk, water, oil, and salt in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium high heat.

Add the tapioca flour to the bowl of a stand mixer, then add the hot milk mixture and mix it well.  It will become very white and sticky.

Add the eggs, one at a time and continue mixing.  It may take a bit before the eggs are incorporated into the sticky flour mixture.

Add the cheese and mix again until incorporated – but don’t overmix.

Shape the balls by using a spoon to scoop out a golf-ball sized amount and your hands (which you’ve wet in cold water) to shape into a ball.

Place the balls on parchment-covered baking sheets and bake for 15-20 minutes or until they’re golden.  Serve while they’re still slightly warm.

If you want to make things simple for entertaining, freeze the unbaked balls.  Then put them while still frozen into a 400 degree oven for about 30 minutes – or until golden and puffy.