(from Fine Cooking)
6 oz all-purpose flour (1 1/3 cups)
3 oz finely shredded sharp Cheddar (or half Cheddar and half Parmigiano-Reggiano)
1 tsp table salt
1/8 to 1/4 cayenne
4 oz chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 large egg yolk
2 Tbs water
1-1/2 oz medium finely chopped walnuts (1/3 cup)
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| A - Cheddar Cayenne Coins |
Pile the moist crumbs on an unfloured work surface. With the heel of your hand, push and gently smear the crumbs away from you until they start to come together in a cohesive dough. Using a pastry scraper or a metal spatula, lift up one edge of the dough and fold it into the center (the dough will still be rough, so don't expect a neat, smooth fold). Repeat with the opposite edge, like folding a letter.
Turn the dough 45 degrees. Give the dough another smearing and shape it into a 14-inch log that's 1-1/4 inches in diameter. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate until firm, about 4 hours, or up to two days.
Heat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment. Using a thin, sharp knife, cut the log into scant 1/4-inch slices. Arrange about 1/2 inch apart on the prepared sheets. Bake until medium to deep golden around the edges, 15 to 20 minutes, rotating the sheets as need for even baking. Set the sheets on racks to cool. when the coins are completely cool, store them in an airtight container.
Make Ahead Tips:
The rolled log of dough may be frozen for up to a month and then thawed for about an hour on the counter or in the refrigerator overnight. Or bake the coins ahead, wrap short stacks in plastic, pack the stacks in plastic containers, and stash them in the freezer. Thaw at room temperature (or put the frozen coins right in the oven) and warm them for a few minutes at 325 degrees F to refresh them.
