Holiday Preparation Post #3 - Blue Cheese Pecan Icebox Crackers

I think it's time for another recipe.  I got this one from the Martha Stewart show that used to be on in the afternoons.  Now don't go gettin' yer knickers in a twist - I am neither a Martha groupie nor a Martha hater.  I enjoy watching her holiday-themed shows, since there are things I like, such as this recipe.

These are truly yummy, particularly if you are a blue cheese lover like me ...

Blue Cheese Pecan Icebox  Crackers
(recipe and image below from found here)

Ingredients:

3/4 c. (2 oz.) pecan halves*
3/4 c. all-purpose flour
4 T. chilled unsalted butter, cut into pieces
3 oz. blue cheese (such as Danish blue), crumbled

• Heat over to 375 degrees.  Place pecan halves  on rimmed baking sheet, and bake until fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.  Let cool.  Transfer to the bowl of a food processor, and pulse until finely ground.   Transfer to a small bowl, and set aside.
• Combine flour and pecans in the bowl of a food processor; pulse briefly to combine.  Add butter and pulse until mixture resembles a coarse meal.  Add cheese, and process until dough comes together and is well combined.
• Transfer dough to a work surface, and form into a 2-inch wide log.  Wrap with plastic wrap, and refrigerate at least 24 hours.
• Heat oven to 325.  Slice chilled log into 1/4 inch slices.  Transfer slices to a parchment-lined baking sheet.  Bake immediately, rotating once, until crackers are golden brown and firm in the center, 25 to 35 minutes.  Transfer to a wire rack to cool.  Crackers may be made a day ahead and kept in an airtight container at room temperature.

*I have used pecans as well as walnuts, and they are yummy either way!

Although this is not a quickie recipe, it's still pretty straightforward, and the results are really worth it.  Let me know if you give this a try!