• Position an oven rack on the lower shelf of the oven. Position the second rack at the top of the oven and place a sheet pan on the top rack.

  Preheat the oven to 450°F.

  Oil the cups of a steel popover pan, or muffin pan, heavily, as well as the top of the cups.

Step 1 - Preparing the batter:

• Melt the butter and set aside to cool slightly. Be sure the eggs and milk are at room temperature.
• In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and salt until combined, and the batter is no longer streaky. (Use a blender, hand mixer, or stand mixer)

  Add the flour and beat until frothy, and no large lumps remain. With a stand mixer, this takes about 30 seconds.
• Mix in the melted, cooled butter and blend briefly.

Step 2 - Preparing the Pan:

• Place the oiled popover pan on a sheet pan (to catch any drips) and place in the oven for 3-4 minutes. The oil will begin to sizzle.

Step 3 - Cooking the Popovers:

• Remove the hot pan from the oven and fill the cavities ¾ full with the prepared popover batter.

  This is easier if the batter is in a measuring cup with a pour spout, otherwise, use a large ladle.
• Return the filled pan to the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Do NOT open the oven door.

  Reduce the heat to 350°F and cook for an additional 10-14 minutes or until the popovers are golden brown, risen, and fluffy.
• Remove the pan from the oven and immediately unmold the popovers onto a wire rack.

  Popovers tend to lose their crunchy exterior quickly, so if desired, poke a small hole in the side of the popovers with the tip of a sharp knife or a toothpick to release some steam.

  Serve immediately. The popovers will deflate as they cool.

Variations:

• At the end of mixing, add to the mixture any of the following:

  - 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon or orange zest

  - ½ teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste

  - 1 teaspoon cinnamon and sugar combination

  - 1 teaspoon finely chopped herbs

  - 4 Tablespoons of finely grated cheese (i.e., parmesan, gruyere)

  Like it spicy? Add a pinch of black pepper, chili, or chipotle powder to the flour mixture