Zesty Cheddar Crisps

Chef mariajane's Note:

These zesty cheddar crisps are great to nibble on pre-dinner with a glass of red wine. Mix up a batch during the Holiday season and keep the dough in the refrigerator. Slice, bake and serve to guests fresh from the oven!!

• Total Time: 12 mins
• Prep Time: 0 mins
• Cook Time: 12 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 3 dozen c ...

• 8 ounces aged cheddar cheese
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon hot smoked paprika (or 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup butter, cubed
• 1/4 cup pecans or 1/4 cup walnuts, finely chopped

Directions:

1. In a food processor work bowl fitted with a shredding blade, shred cheese. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
2. Replace shredding blade with metal blade. To work bowl, add flour, baking powder, paprika and salt and pulse to blend, about 4 times.
3. Add shredded cheese and butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs, about 20 times.
4. Turn out on a lightly floured board and knead until dough comes together. Shape into a long roll about 1-inch in diameter.
5. Spread nuts on a cutting board and roll dough in them until well coated.
6. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, for at least 3 hours or up to 1 week.
7. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 400°F Cut dough into slices about 1/4 inch thick. Arrange on prepared baking sheet, at least 2-inches apart.
8. Bake in preheated oven for 6 minutes. Remove from oven.
9. Using spatula, turn crisps over and bake until lightly browned, about 6 minutes more.
10. Let cool in pan on rack for 2 minutes.