Preparation time: 20 minutes. Cooking time: 10 to 15 minutes. Frying temperature: 370 degrees.

Cheese-accented cream puff pastry improves the flavor of these crisp little hot appetizers. They are rolled in sliced almonds, then deep-fried. They can be prepared an hour or two ahead of serving and kept warm in an oven set at a low temperature.

For about 30 Cheese Balls you will need:

1/2 c. water
1/8 tsp. salt
Dash of nutmeg
2 tbsp. butter
1/2 c. all-purpose flour
2 eggs
1/3 c. Swiss cheese, shredded
1 c. almonds, sliced
Salad oil for deep frying

Place water, salt, nutmeg and butter in a 2-quart saucepan. Bring mixture to a full rolling boil over high heat. Add flour all at once. Remove pan from heat. Stir until mixture forms a ball and leaves sides of pan. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until mixture is smooth and shiny. Add cheese and stir until blended. Drop mixture by teaspoons into almonds in a shallow pan. Roll to coat evenly and shape each into a 3/4 inch ball. Place on waxed paper and let stand 10 to 15 minutes. Pour oil to a depth of 1 1/2 to 2 inches into a deep, heavy frying pan or electric skillet. Heat to 370 degrees. Fry Cheese Balls, about 8 at a time, until golden brown on all sides, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Keep balls warm in oven at 200 degrees until all are fried. Serve hot.