Kitchen Experiments: Home-made Cheez-its

John and I have decided to test one new and unique recipe a week (at least). Here is our first test Home-made Cheez-its. John had to work so I enlisted the help of my good friend Dan & Trina. Here is the recipe, do try this at home!

Home-made Cheez-its

Finished product, yum!

Ingredients:

• 8 oz extra-sharp cheddar cheese, coarsely shredded
• ½ stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 t kosher salt
• 1 c flour
• 2 T ice water

You'll need:

• Mixer
• Plastic wrap
• Parchment paper
• Pasty cutter (I used a fork)
• Baking sheet
• Chopstick (I used the prong of a corn on the cob handle)

Step 1

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix the cheddar, butter, and salt until soft and combined. Add the flour and mix on low speed (the dough will be dry and pebbly). Slowly add the water and continue to mix as the dough forms a ball.

Step 2

Pat the dough into a disk, wrap tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least an hour.

Step 3

Preheat the oven to 375˚F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or Silpats.

Step 4

Divide the dough into two pieces and roll each into a very thin (1/8 inch or less) 10 x 12-inch rectangle. Using a fluted pastry cutter, cut the rectangles into 1-inch squares, then transfer to the baking sheets. Use the tip of a chopstick to punch a hole into the center of each square.

The thinner you roll it the better, thing & crispy!

Step 5

Bake for 15-17 minutes or until puffed and browning at the edges. Watch carefully, as the high fat content of the crackers makes it a fine line between golden delicious and burnt. Immediately move the crackers to racks to cool.

Nothing like friends and drinks while cooking.

Note: Waxed paper does not equal parchment paper, so don't put in the oven!

j+k