Cheese Appetizers: Coins and Bow Twists

These two little cheese appetizers are shaped into coins and bow twists

You can't have too many crunch items on an appetizer tray or buffet table. These give guests something to hold and to munch on between bites of other, messier food. They're also good with dips, but really tasty all by themselves.

The nice thing about many appetizers is that they can be made ahead of time. These are no exception. Make them two or three days in advance, then bag and refrigerate.

Cheese Coins
(Makes approximately 150)

¾ cups + 2 Tablespoons softened margarine or butter
¼ cup milk, whole or 2%
1 ¾ cups grated Gouda
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups all-purpose flour
Pinch baking powder

Stir egg in a small bowl. Combine butter, milk, Gouda, egg, and salt. Mix thoroughly. In a separate bowl combine flour and baking powder and add to dough. Knead until smooth. For into logs about one inch in diameter. Cover in plastic and refrigerate for about thirty minutes. Remove when ready to bake. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Slice coins into ¼-inch circles and place on non-stick cookie sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly crisp.

Cheese Bow Twists

10 oz. puff pastry
1 egg yolk
2 Tablespoons grated Parmesan (or similar cheese)

Roll pastry to 8" x 12". Cut into three pieces equaling 8" x 4". Coat two of the sections with egg yolk and add cheese. Stack the two sections. Coat third piece with egg yolk and place face down on other two layers. Roll out the stack to 4-1/2" x 8-1/2". Next, cut into 1/2-inch wide strips. Be sure the dough is cleanly cut. Hold each strip and make a twist in the middle. Place on non-stick cookie sheet and bake for about 10 minutes at 375 degrees F.

Visit these pages for additional appetizer ideas:
Cheese Straws and Sticks
How to Stuff a Wild Zucchini