Cookie Soirée

Last Thursday I was lucky enough to be invited by my friend Janet to a "Lovely Ladies" event to make cookies and candy together. We  had so much fun with Christmas music, champagne, sushi, laugher and lots of goodies being made. Janet was a delightful hostess (as usual) and we had an absolutely wonderful time. We each brought  home goodie bags and lots of cookies and candies. At the bottom of this post is my recipe for a savory version of cookies, Savory Cheddar Thumbprints with pecans and Jalapeno Jelly which were a big hit at the party.

In Hawaii, you can tell who is inside by the shoes outside!

The cooler was well stocked

It's snowing!

The cheddar balls ready to be rolled in pecans

Candied Almonds

Chocolate!

Our Hostess with the Mostess

Cookie Girls!

These are my contribution, Savory Cheddar Thumbprints

These make terrific Hostess Gifts as well as great little nibbles that people cannot stop eating. They are a savory exception to sweet holiday cookies.

Makes about 48

16 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese

6 ounces unsalted butter

2 1/4 cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon freshly cracked pepper

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 cups toasted pecans, chopped

2 egg whites, beaten

1 jar jalapeno jelly or habanero jelly

Cream the butter and cheese together. Add the seasonings to the flour and then mix with the butter/cheese till the mixture forms a ball. On wax paper, roll out into a log and wrap with  plastic wrap. Either freeze for 1 hour or refrigerate overnight.

Remove dough from the refrigerator and break off teaspoon sized pieces and roll into balls. Return to the refrigerator for about 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 350. Line baking sheets with silpat or parchment paper.

Remove the balls from the refrigerator and dip each in egg white and then roll in pecans. Place about 1" apart on baking sheets and bake for 5 minutes, then remove and make indentations with your finger or the back of a wooden spoon in the center of the cookies. Fill with about 1/2 teaspoon of jelly and return to oven for 10 more minutes.

Betcha can't eat just one!