Jo Seagar's Cheese Biscuits

Served warm and with a dollop of chutney, Jo Seagar's Cheese Biscuits are an entertaining staple.
In my mother's family recipe books these are known as Cheese Biscuits for Bridge Parties. They are best served warm and are like a savoury shortbread.
Prep time 3 minutes
Chill time 20 minutes
Cook time 20 minutes
150g butter
150g (about 1½ cups) grated tasty cheese
1½ cups flour
salt & pepper to taste
Options for toppings
finely grated cheese
crushed potato or corn chips
sesame or poppy seeds
crushed cardamom
lemon pepper seasoning
cajun spice mix
sea salt flakes or coarsely ground rock salt
celery or fennel seeds
finely grated parmesan cheese
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line 2 oven trays with baking paper.
Makes 26
Place the butter, cheese, flour, and salt and pepper in a food processor and run the machine until the pastry clings in a lump around the blade.
With floured hands remove the mixture and form into sausage-shaped logs. Wrap in cling film and chill for 20 minutes.
Slice each log into 3–4 mm thick rounds. Spread out on the prepared trays, pressing any optional extra bits and pieces into the surface (sesame seeds or crushed potato chips or any of the options above). Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown.
Cool the biscuits for 2–3 minutes on the trays before sliding them carefully off onto a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

This recipe is an extract from Jo's latest recipe collection, Jo Seagar Bakes. The book is full of traditional recipes that have been handed down to Jo through the generations, as well as her own original twists on the classics. She assumes the role of mother/grandmother/teacher to ensure that you're guided through the creation of delicious bake after delicious bake. The book is available now from all good book shops, priced $55.00
Catch Jo Live: Jo will be undertaking a nationwide tour during November and December. Full details can be found here.
Reproduced with permission from JO SEAGAR BAKES by Jo Seagar. Published by Random House NZ. RRP $55.00. Copyright © text, Jo Seagar 2014. Copyright © photographs, Jae Frew, 2014
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