Italian Pepperoni-Cheese Puffs

1-1/4 cups water
1/3 cup shortening
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
4 eggs
3/4 cup finely chopped pepperoni (3 oz.)
3/4 cup finely shredded Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese (3 oz.)
2 tablespoons snipped fresh parsley
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Preparation

1. Grease 2 large baking sheets; set aside. In a large saucepan combine water and shortening.
  Bring to boiling. Add flour all at once, stirring vigorously.
  Cook and stir until mixture forms a ball. Remove from heat.
  Cool for 10 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well with a wooden spoon after each addition.
  Stir in pepperoni, cheese, parsley, garlic powder, and pepper.

2. Drop dough by rounded teaspoons 2 inches apart onto prepared baking sheets.
  Bake in a 450 degree F oven for 15 to 17 minutes or until golden.
  Transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm.

Makes 48 puffs.