Cheese Mantecaos

From Africa, a great cheesy appetizer or snack.

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 8  tablespoons  cold butter, cubed
• 2  cups sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 1⁄2 cups flour
• 1  egg, lightly beaten
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne
• 3  teaspoons cumin seeds, lightly toasted in a dry skillet until fragrant
• 1  tablespoon paprika

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. In a food processor put the butter, cheese, flour, egg, salt, cayenne, and cumin.
3. Pulse just until mixture resembles coarse meal; don't over-process.
4. Form the mixture into 1 inch balls and place on a lightly greased baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
5. Flatten each ball slightly with your fingers.
6. Bake until the pastries puff and are golden brown, about 10 minutes.
7. Cool completely on a wire rack and garnish with the paprika.