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

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.

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.