Mantecaos

From: “The Africa Kitchen” by Josie Stow and Jan Baldwin. These spicy cheese crackers are from North Africa and can be eaten on their own or served with a dip such as Masi Mara.

• Ready In: 27 mins
• Serves: 10
• Yields: 30 crackers

Ingredients

• 10  tablespoons butter
• 2  cups cheddar cheese, coarsely grated
• 2  cups flour
• 1  egg yolk
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 2  teaspoons cumin seeds
• 1  pinch cayenne pepper
• 2 -3  pinches paprika

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F and line a baking sheet with wax or parchment paper.
2. Place all the ingredients except the paprika in a food processor.
3. Pulse the mixture in quick, short spurts until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
4. Roll a little of the mixture into a ball, place it on the baking sheet and flatten slightly with your fingers.
5. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until light golden and slightly puffed.
7. Sprinkle the crackers with paprika and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet before serving.