Name: Cheese Crispies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2-1/2 cups shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese; 2 cups (250 grams) all-purpose flour; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 2-1/2 cups crisp rice cereal; Pecan halves, optional

For years I’ve taken these crispy, crunchy snacks to work. They get high marks from everybody in the teachers lounge. —Eileen Ball, Cornelius, North Carolina

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

2-1/2 cups shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese

2 cups (250 grams) all-purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

2-1/2 cups crisp rice cereal

Pecan halves, optional

Instructions

1 In a large bowl, beat butter and cheese until blended. In another bowl, whisk flour, salt and cayenne; gradually beat into cheese mixture. Stir in cereal. If necessary, turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead 4-6 times, forming a stiff dough.

2 Divide dough in half; shape each half into a 7-in. log. Wrap; refrigerate at least 1 hour or up to 2 days.

3 Preheat oven to 350°. Unwrap logs and cut crosswise into 1/4-in. slices. Place slices 1 in. apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. If desired, top each slice with a pecan half. Bake until edges are golden brown, 14-16 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.