Cheese Biscuits

The key to this recipe is the cheese. Use high quality, old, sharp cheddar. Orange cheddar gives the wafers a nice color. Other than that the recipe is easy and pretty fool-proof.

1/2 cup butter (1/4 lb or 1 stick) at room temperature
6 oz cheddar cheese, grated (about 2 cups)
large pinch cayenne
1 cup flour
4 Tablespoons sesame seeds
40 pecan halves (about)

Beat the butter, cheese and cayenne until blended. Add the flour and beat until thoroughly blended. (You can use a spoon or a food processor or mixer.) If necessary, put the dough in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes so that it firms up enough that you can work with it.

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Shape the dough into a log that is about 10" long. Roll the log in the sesame seeds, coating completely. Wrap and refrigerate until firm, at least several hours.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Cut the dough into very thin slices, about 1/4". Place on greased baking sheets. Press a pecan half into the center of each slice. Bake in the center of the oven for 12-14 minutes or until the edges are golden. Cool on racks.

These can be served as an hors d'oeuvre, snack, or with dessert.