Parmesan Cheese Bites

Photo: flickr user avlxyz

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper

1/2 cup butter or margarine cut up

2 tablespoons milk

Preparation

Stir together first 3 ingredients in a medium bowl; cut in butter with a pastry blender until crumbly. (Mixture will look very dry.) Gently press mixture together with hands, working until blended and smooth (about 2 to 3 minutes).

Shape dough into 2 (4-inch-long) logs. Wrap in plastic wrap, and place in an airtight container. Chill 8 hours, or freeze up to 3 months. (Thaw overnight in refrigerator.)

Cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices, and place on a lightly greased baking sheet. Brush with milk.

Bake at 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Freeze up to 1 month, if desired.

This recipe yields 32 cheese bites.

Comments: Dough may be rolled into a 10- by 7-inch (1/4-inch-thick) rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Cut lengthwise into 8 strips and crosswise into 4 strips, using a pastry wheel or knife and forming 32 squares. Place cheese squares on a lightly greased baking sheet, and bake immediately.

Yield: 32 bites