Adjust rack to lower third of oven; preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease each popover cup generously with soft butter or solid vegetable shortening.

Combine ingredients in a blender or food processor; process about 40 seconds. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl a couple of times and blend until mixture is completely smooth.

To make by hand, whisk together the eggs, milk and butter in a large bowl. Add the flour and salt and beat until very smooth. Pour into greased cups, filling half to two-thirds full.

Bake until golden brown, 35 to 40 minutes. Do not open the oven door during baking or the popovers will collapse. Makes 6 to 8, depending on the size of the baking cups.

Cornmeal Popovers: Substitute/4 cup flour for the flour.

Cheddar Cheese Herb Popovers: Add 1/4 cup finely shredded Cheddar cheese andspoon dried rosemary to the recipe.

Nut Popovers: Add 1/4 cup ground nuts to the batter.

Eggnog Popovers: Add 1 tablespoon dry instant eggnog, 1 tablespoon rum or 1/4 teaspoon rum extract, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg to batter.