These are the kind of crackers that you want to have in a tin and just grab distractedly during the day. You might just do it all the time which is always a problem considering they’re basically a cheese short crust, full of butter. But then, the simple flavors are usually the best.
Today’s recipe for our French Fridays with Dorie group are these little, crunchy, cheesy crackers. I think they deserve a star, so I literally gave them one. No, really, aren’t they as cute as a star? Christmas silliness. Sorry.
I got the idea from Mardi after she shared them on twitter and they really look much nicer as stars than simple rounds. I think that’s been the extent of my christmas spirit so far, the horror I know, and there’s not much time left till Monday, so I better start getting a little bit more sparkly. Though come to think of it I posted four different festive cookies in a row, and a peanut butter fudge. Foodwise, I feel I fulfilled my holiday duties.
But on to the cracker task at hand, these are as easy as blitzing (such a Nigella word) butter, grated cheese (I used parmesan and fontina), flour, salt and pepper. Out comes a dough that is chilled for a while, then rolled, cut and baked.
That’s all.
Unless you burn the first batch because you go answer the phone, and even though they look fine, they are somewhat bitter, so you have to repeat the process.
Then you can eat crunchy, buttery crackers, with that sharpness a good hard cheese has, and go on with your day. These would make the best partner with mate, a traditional bitter beverage that is drank like crazy in this part of the world (Argentina and Uruguay particularly).
I have a feeling this dough would make awesome hand pies also. Need to try that one. Maybe with a spicy chicken filling. We’ll see.
For now I better get moving and come up with something to take over to my father’s house on Monday. We celebrate the night of the 24th, Nochebuena (Old Night). That’s our main celebration, with a lot of food and presents that get opened at 12pm.
The next day, a holiday of course, is more of an optional thing. Maybe leftover lunch or go see another group that you didn’t see the night before, very handy for those married that need to be with their family and their in-laws. One day each.
To the fabulous group that is this one, my feelings are of peace and happiness and a lot of health and wishes that come true. You have made my life so full of unexpected friendships and laughter, and I cherish every single day I share with you in this virtual world.
Karen says
January 3, 2013 at 00:15Paula I love your stars! I've always loved savory shortbread, and of course, your photographs are so pretty. Love your sentiments too. Happy New Year to you.
Andrea_TheKitchenLioness says
December 23, 2012 at 21:18Paula: your version of these cheese crackers looks so elegant and so nicely presented. They have a great color and, of course, I like their shape – nice to see that great minds always seem to think alike…I would like to take the opportunity to tell you that it is a real joy being part of the wonderful and dedicated groups of bakers and cooks and I am looking forward to the coming year! Wishing you and your family very Happy Holidays!
Kate@Diethood says
December 23, 2012 at 15:55Cheese and butter… in a cracker. Say no more. 😀
Cocoa and Lavender says
December 23, 2012 at 14:20Oh, and I completely forgot to say how incredibly beautiful this set of photos is! Just gorgeous! ~ d
Cocoa and Lavender says
December 23, 2012 at 14:18I love the little starlets! They are so cute, and I bet all the points make for the nicest crunchy crackers. Nochebuena, although we never called it that, was the big tradition in our family, too, and continues to be so today. Enjoy it and perhaps you and I will find our Christmas spirit together at the same time! Merry Christmas, dear friend, and enjoy the good food, family and friends. ~ David
cakewhiz says
December 23, 2012 at 07:33that picture with those 2 stars standing upright looks like they are dancing…hehhee!
i think it's nice that you didn't make them round coz that's so boring. the star shapes are more fun 😉
tricia s. says
December 23, 2012 at 03:22I ditto your sentiments about our FFWD- we have a very special group indeed ! And love those stars of yours. I spent more time looking for my festive cutters than I did pulsing the Cuisinart to make the crackers so I finally settled on little flowers 🙂 Also enjoyed hearing about your festive 24th. Very cool. Nana is going all out (once again) and treating our families to the Feast of 7 Fishes. We can not wait. Happy holidays !
Kat says
December 22, 2012 at 16:05Beautiful little crackers, I love the star shapes. Merry Christmas Paula!
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
December 22, 2012 at 07:00These are so cute and look so good! I haven't made any crackers in awhile, and this is just the reminder I needed!