Mitch's Cheese Wafers
Steven's cousin Mitch, of egullet.com fame, made these sensational little wafers for one of my birthdays. So good to have a great cook in the family.
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour (6.75 oz)
1.5 oz. extra sharp cheddar – grated
1.5 oz. parmesan, pecorino, grana, etc. – grated
1/4 tsp. cayenne
1/2 tsp. smoked Pimentón (I use smoked chile powder from La Vera, Spain)
1.5 tsp. kosher salt
8 T. cold butter pieces
2 T water beaten with 1 large egg yolk
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
Combine dry ingredients in processor - add cheese and butter - pulse till it gets crumbly looking. Add water/yolk and pulse a few times. Add nuts and pulse a few more times.
Give it a few kneads by hand, then roll into a log the diameter you want your crackers to be. Wrap in plastic, then chill till firm in the refrigerator.
Cut into 1/4 inch slices, spread out on parchment or a Silpat and bake in a preheated 375F oven till browned - 20 minutes. Don't forget to rotate the pans as the crackers are baking.