{Cheese Stars by Nigella}

This is a new variant of an old and easy party favourite. The dough is mixed up in the processor and rolls out easily. It may crack a bit for the first roll-out, but just resquidge together and roll out again like Play-Doh. Unlike other pastries, you don’t have to be afraid of handling it. I keep rolling and re-rolling to the bitter end.

INGREDIENTS

Makes: around 45 stars

200 grams grated smoked cheddar or other strong Cheddar
50 grams soft unsalted butter
100 grams plain flour (plus extra for rolling)
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon celery salt
½ teaspoon ground ginger

METHOD

You will need a star cutter, 5cm / 2 inches diameter point to point.

Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C Fan/gas mark 4/350ºF.
Put all ingredients into a food processor and blitz until the dough comes together. Form into two flat discs, wrap in cling film and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
Roll out the first disc of dough on a lightly floured surface to about the thickness of a pound coin / one-eighth of an inch thick and cut out your cheese stars. This is a very good-tempered dough, and any botched stars can be added back to the dough as you go to be re-cut.
Line a flat baking sheet with parchment and arrange on top, then pop into the oven for 12-15 minutes, by which time the stars will be puffed and golden. Repeat the same process with the second batch of dough.
Once the stars are cooked, transfer to a wire rack to cool a little.

MAKE AHEAD NOTE:
The baked stars will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

FREEZE NOTE:
To freeze the baked stars let them cool completely then transfer them to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw the stars on a wire rack at room temperature for about an hour.

You can also freeze the cut out but unbaked stars. Put the stars on baking sheets lined with baking parchment (parchment paper). Freeze the unbaked stars until solid then transfer them to a resealable bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake the stars direct from frozen following the instructions in the recipe. The stars are quite small so the baking time should be the same.