Instructions

In a 3-to 4- qt saucepan, combine 1 cup water, butter, and pepper; bring to a boil over high heat. Add flour all at once and stir quickly until mixture pulls away from the pan sides and masses together. Remove from heat and stir until flour is incorporated and mixture is smooth. Let cool 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
TO MIX BY HAND: Add eggs, one at a time, to warm butter-flour mixture in pan, beating after each addition until dough is smooth and satiny. Stir in 3/4 cup cheese.
TO MIX WITH ELECTRIC MIXER/ PROCESSOR: Scrape warm butter-flour mixture into a bowl. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition just until smooth. Do not overmix. Stir in 3/4 cup cheese.
On a baking sheet, drop eight equal portions (about 1/3 cup each) of dough, side by side with edges touching, in an 8-inch circle. Sprinkle with another 1/4 cup cheese. Bake in a 375 oven until browned, 40 to 50 minutes. Pierce each puff with a skewer and return to oven. Bake until well browned and crisp, 5 to 7 minutes longer. Slide ring off pan. Serve hot.