1507. Olive Cheddar Bites

For me, a good appetizer spread can happily replace a meal any day. What's to deny in appetizers? You get a multitude of options, finger food sized. They can be cold, or warm; vegetarian, or completely carnivorous. These cheddar olive bites fill the quota for salty and warm appetizer.

First off, they are not as fussy as they might seem. It is simple enough to wrap and roll the cheddar-infused dough around the dried olives. They can be served warm or cooled to room temperature, and pair wonderfully with an iced glass of cranberry juice.

Ingredients:

1 cup pitted green olives

1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup  flour

75g butter, softened

1/4 tsp chili powder 

Method:

Preheat the oven to 400F.

Drain the olives well, and dry them completely with a paper towel. Set aside.

In a food processor, combine the cheese, flour, butter, and spices in a medium bowl and blitz until uniform. Transfer to a bowl and knead it until a dough forms. If the dough is still crumbly and won't hold together, add water 1 teaspoon at a time until it does.

Pinch off a small amount of dough, and press it as thin as you can between your fingers to flatten. Wrap and pat the dough around a dry olive. Pinch off any excess, then roll the olive in your hands until smooth. Continue until all the olives are covered.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown all over.

Serve warm.

صحة و عافية