Zesty Cheese Wafers great for New Year's noshing

(Rich cheese wafers pair well with a glass of wine or sparkling beverage)

Of all the holiday treats I've sampled and made this season, savory cheese crackers top my list of favorites.

These rich, buttery rounds are packed with cheesy goodness and would be great with a glass of wine or Champagne for New Year's noshing.
They are simple to make and bake up quickly; just make sure to chill the dough a couple hours before slicing and baking.
The dough can also be frozen and used when you want something quick but good for your next gathering of friends or family.

Zesty Cheese Wafers

1. 4 ounces cheddar cheese, grated on the large holes
2. 3 ounces Parmesan cheese, finely grated
3. 1 cup flour
4. 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
5. A pinch of dried mustard
6. 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
7. 1/2 teaspoon salt
8. About a tablespoon or so of water
   

• Mix the cheeses, flour, salt, mustard and cayenne in the bowl of a food processor.
• Pulse a few times to combine.
• Add the butter and pulse some more until the mixture resembles coarse cornmeal.
• Add a tablespoon of water and mix until the dough forms a ball.
• Turn the dough out onto a large piece of waxed paper and roll it into a log about 9 inches long and about 1 3/4 inches wide (you can add a bit more flour so it doesn't stick). Flatten the edges.
• Refrigerate for a couple hours to set the dough.
  

(Chill the dough before slicing into rounds)

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• Unwrap the log and slice it into rounds about 1/4-inch thick.
• Place the slices on a large cookie sheet covered in parchment paper.
• Bake for about 10 minutes until the wafers are a golden color.
• Turn them over and bake for another 5 minutes until golden brown around the edges.
• Let cool on a rack.

If there are any leftovers, store in an airtight container.

These little gems would make a great addition to a New Year's cocktail party.