Cheese Crackers!

Budgets or being new in the kitchen shouldn't stop you from enjoying the fun snacks of life. In fact, making your own snacks is very satisfying, saves money, and will impress your friends/family . . . if you save any to share with them! Cheese Crackers 4 tablespoons butter, chilled and cut into small bits 4 tablespoons grated, sharp Cheddar cheese 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan or Romano cheese 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper Pinch of freshly ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon salt (you can reduce this if you wish) 1 egg yolk 2 tablespoons ice water Combine everything except the egg and water in a large mixing bowl. Mix them with a fork or your fingers until the ingredients look lilke coarse meal. Combine the egg yolk and cold water in a small bowl and mix well. Pour over the flour mixture and, using a fork, mix gently until it forms a dough. Form into a ball and refrigerate for an hour. Preheat the over to 400 degrees. Roll out the dough on a large, floured surface to about 1/4-inch thick. Now, you can cut the dough into strips for cheese straws or using small cutters to form cracker shapes. Place them on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for 7-10 minutes but keep a close eye as you want them lightly browned. Transfer to a rack to cool. No, go forth and impress! Ideas . . . Brush tops of unbaked crackers with some beaten egg white and sprinkle with either sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or coarse sea salt.