Savoury Cheddar Thumbprint Cookies

By Trix

Fantastic with Champagne or cocktails. Surprise your guests with this appetizer that looks like a thumbprint cookie. Make small 1 inch balls for pop in mouth appetizers. Delicious! Canadian Living

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cups (375 mL) shredded white old cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) butter, softened
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/4 tsp (1 mL) pepper
• 1 cup (250 mL) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (250 mL) finely chopped pecans or unblanched almonds
• 1 cup (250 mL) hot pepper jelly

Preparation

Step 1

In food processor, pulse together Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses and butter until smooth. Add egg yolk and pepper; pulse until blended. Add flour; pulse just until soft dough forms.

Place pecans on plate. Place 1 cup (250 mL) water in bowl. With hands, roll scant tablespoonfuls (15 mL) of dough into 1-inch (2.5 cm) balls. Dip in water; roll in nuts to coat. Place on ungreased baking sheet. With thumb, make indentation in centre of each. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.

Bake in centre of 350°F (180°C) oven for about 15 minutes or until firm outside and lightly golden. Let cool on baking sheet on rack. (Can be prepared to this point and frozen in layers separated by waxed paper in rigid airtight container for up to 2 weeks; bake in 350°F/180°C oven for about 3 minutes to recrisp.)

Fill indentations with hot pepper jelly.