Cookie-Crusted Profiteroles with Nougat Sauce

This recipe serves as a prime example of the old adage that one should never judge a book by its cover. The appearance of the profiteroles may be somewhat plain, but if you factor in the degrees of difficulty, practicality, and popularity as you evaluate them, you will rank these with the most elaborately decorated desserts. As the profiteroles bake, the expanding pâte à choux forces the short dough cookie stuck on top to break into tiny pieces. The sweet, crunchy cookie makes a perfect mat