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Sunday, December 20, 2020

Christmas Cheese Stars

 I normally make these stars exactly like how Nigella Lawson recommends. This time, I was influenced by Christmas, Rukzana from "thewelldressedtales" and my own "blooming" backyard that has been the subject of many a photograph.  These are the easiest, tastiest cheese biscuits that I have ever had and keep going back for more. So do try them and let me know what flavours and flowers you experimented with!

Recipe credit: https://www.nigella.com/recipes/cheese-stars 




Basic Ingredients:

  • 200 grams grated smoked Cheddar or other strong Cheddar - (I used 36 month aged Mainland Cheddar)
  • 50 grams soft unsalted butter
  • 100 grams plain flour (plus extra for rolling)
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
Flavours:
  • 1 tablespoon of chopped rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon chopped dill leaves
  • 1 tablespoon chopped dill flowers
  • 1 tablespoon chopped lavender flowers
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked
  • 1 dry red chilli, de seeded and chopped finely



Method:

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

Put all the basic ingredients in a food processor and blitz till a dough forms.

Divide the dough into three equal portions.

In portion 1, add the rosemary and chilli.

In portion2, add the lavender and chopped dill leaves.

In portion 3, add the chopped dill flowers and freshly cracked black pepper.

Mix well into the dough and cover with clingwrap.


Keep in the fridge for 15 minutes.

Roll out each ball of dough separately and cut shapes using your cookie cutter.

How stunning does this look?! I was so delighted to work with it!


Bake for 15 minutes, in a tray lined with baking paper.  Remember to turn the tray around after 7 minutes so that one side doesn't get unduly burnt.  Unfortunately the colours do not show up after baking - but by GOD!!! the smell that wafts out of the kitchen - do not be surprised if the Gods turn up for tea! ha ha!!!


Let the cookies cool on a wire rack before you put them in air tight bottles.




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