Olive Cheese ball prep day

 

Diced up:  1 lb cheddar cheese, 1/2 mild, 1/2 medium (also softened)

3 Tbsp butter.

Sifted together:

1 cup flour, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

Add the flour mixture to the processor with the butter and cheese.

Pulse and process until it is the pictured consistency, ready to roll into balls with a consistency of pie dough.

Roll a "treat" inside, an olive or a small bit of cooked sausage, forming balls.

Roll into balls.  Freeze if desired, or bake right away.  (I froze them so they can be baked on Christmas Day).  450℉ oven for 10 minutes (or until golden brown, as the old recipes say).  Cool for a bit on a rack, but they are wonderful if eaten warm from the oven (cool enough so they don't burn your mouth, save that for the cayenne effect!)

The end result, baked.

I posted the photos on FB and got a nostalgic response from my niece, so I'm saving a few back for her, and she's coming over on Friday for a visit.  I see this niece rarely, so the visit will be a real treat.  She lost her labrador in August, and I'm thinking she and Ember will hit it off well.

Life's good.  Keep Sparking!