Emma’s Duchesses

These puffs are a bit of work, but look beautiful and can be filled with different things, including chopped liver, tuna salad, chicken salad, etc.

½ cup solid vegetable shortening
¼ tsp. salt
1 cup boiling water
1 cup flour
3 eggs

Put shortening, salt and boiling water in the top of a double boiler over very hot water. Add flour all at once and stir vigorously. When thoroughly mixed the dough will leave the sides of the pan. Remove from heat. Let cool for about 2-3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time beating strongly until each one is blended in. Dip a teaspoon in cold water and drop a small amount of mixture on to a well- greased cookie sheet 1 ½ to 2” apart. Shape the dough with the tip of the spoon until it is an evenly rounded mound. Bake for 10 minutes at 450º. Reduce heat to 400º for 20 minutes or until they puff up and turn golden brown. When completely cool, cut an opening with a small knife in the side of each and fill just before serving with your choice of filling. Makes about 36.

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