Cheese Thins

Cookbook Category: Appetizers

These are great little appetizers to pass around still warm from the oven. They freeze very well and are good to have on hand for impromptu gatherings. You can make a batch and, after you have cut the strips, bake half and freeze half (freeze on a flat surface and once frozen, put in freezer bags).

2 cups cake flour
2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
1-1/4 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 cup butter
2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Preheat oven to 425°F.

Mix together flour, cheese, salt and cayenne. Cut in the butter with two knives (pull in opposite directions) until mixture has a mealy, pebbly texture. Add eggs and stir. Mixture will be dry and stiff. (If eggs are on the small side and mixture is too dry to hold together, add a few drops of water.) Knead mixture until you can form a ball.

Place on a floured surface and roll about 3/8 inch thick. Cut into strips about 4 inches long and 1/2 inch wide. Place on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake until lightly browned, about 12 minutes. Makes about 50 to 60.