Cheese Puffs (Aigrettes)

• 80 gm. plain flour
• 55 gm butter
• pinch of salt
• 125 ml water and milk, mixed
• 2 beaten eggs
• 90gm grated cheese (cheddar, or mixed)
• Chili flakes, to taste

Sift the flour and the salt into a bowl.
Heat the liquid with the salt and butter, until the butter melts. Bring to the boil and remove from the heat. Throw all of the flour and beat the mixture with a wooden spoon. Beat lightly until the pastry comes away from the sides of the pan.
Beat the eggs in little by little until the pastry is soft and shiny.
Mix the cheese and cayenne into the pastry.

Drop teaspoonfuls of pastry into hot oil and fry until golden.
Serve hot, as a snack or part of a tapas dinner.
Makes about 30-35 puffs.

Caramelized Onion and Potato cakes

For a light family super, I am serving them with a simple green salad.

Ingredients for 3-4 people

1. 1 large onion, chopped
2. 2 large potatoes
3. Salt, pepper, nutmeg
4. 1 crushed chili

Fry the onion, stirring it from time to time, in a little olive oil, for 15-20 minutes until brown and starting to caramelize, take off the heat and place in a bowl. Reserve them.

Meantime, cook the potatoes until tender. Mash them and mix with the onion, salt, nutmeg, chili, and pepper to taste.

Shape 4-6 patties with your hands.

When ready to serve, gently fry the patties for 3 minutes on each side, careful not to break them.

Serve them with chutney and a green salad.