Cheddar Cheese Crackers

I was looking for something to do with sharp cheddar cheese and found inspiration in a photo on Tastespotting.   The picture posted by Zoomyummy was for a Salty Cheese Cookie. 


I adapted the recipe slightly and rather than cookies made both crackers and little cheese olive bites.


I thought that these crackers actually tasted even better on day two. 

Cheddar Cheese Crackers
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Adapted from: http://zoomyummy.wordpress.com/2009/09/14/salty-cheese-cookies/
1 1/2 cups  all-purpose flour
1 cup  butter
3/4 cup  grated aged cheddar cheese
salt
pepper
cayenne pepper
mustard powder

1 egg beaten with teaspoon of water

Heat oven to 350°F.  Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix by hand or add flour and butter to food processor and pulse to cut in butter.  Add seasonings and pulse until just before dough comes together.  Add cheddar cheese and pulse again just to form a ball.

Roll dough out to desired thickness.  about 1/8" for crackers, 1/4" for cookies.

Cut into squares or rounds. Cut criss cross pattern on each cracker using a sharp knife. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with a little sea salt.   Bake until golden approximately 15 minutes.

Option:  Form dough around pimento filled  olives, brush with egg wash and bake.