Cheese Mantecaos Recipes

MANTECADOS RECIPE: TRADITIONAL SPANISH SHORTBREAD COOKIES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325°F

CHEESE MANTECAOS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F. Put the butter, cheese, flour, egg, salt, cayenne, and cumin into the bowl of a food processor and pulse, just until the mixture resembles coarse meal; do not over process. (You can also use a pastry cutter or a fork to cut the mixture to the same consistency.)
• Form the mixture into 1-inch balls. Line the balls on a nonstick or lightly greased baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between them. Slightly flatten each ball with your fingers.
• Bake until the pastries puff and become golden brown, about 10 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack, then garnish with paprika if you like and serve within a few hours.
• Omit the cumin and paprika; increase the cayenne to 1 teaspoon, or to taste.

HAM AND CHEESE PUFFS

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook until soft and golden, about 3 minutes. Lower the heat and add the meat; cook, stirring occasionally, until hot, about 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, whisk together the sour cream, egg, and herbs. Add to the meat mixture and cook until just heated through. Season with pepper and spoon into the Cheese Mantecaos, making little sandwiches. Serve immediately.

MANTECAOS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350F and line a baking sheet with wax or parchment paper.
• Place all the ingredients except the paprika in a food processor.
• Pulse the mixture in quick, short spurts until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
• Roll a little of the mixture into a ball, place it on the baking sheet and flatten slightly with your fingers.
• Repeat with the remaining mixture.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes or until light golden and slightly puffed.
• Sprinkle the crackers with paprika and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet before serving.