Savory Coriander, Black Pepper and Cheese Shortbread

Just one nibble and you will be hooked on these savory coriander and black pepper shortbread bites with Gruyère cheese. I've made them on the smallish side so when I say I ate three of this little melt-in-your-mouth shortbreads in one sitting, I don't feel so guilty. Besides, it is no secret that I adore small things, and that preference extends from my eating habits into most other aspects of my life, with the exception of long pieces of well crafted music and literature.

I chose semi-firm and somewhat salty Gruyère for the cookies as this cheese is excellent for melting, but alternately try these with Havarti or Gouda or go with some extra old Cheddar or creamier and milder Fontina for something a bit different.

Savory Coriander, Black Pepper and Cheese Shortbread

Recipe by Lisa Turner Published on November 1, 2014 Simple, savory and buttery cheese, coriander and black pepper shortbread cookies with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture — delicious for snacks or hors d'oeuvres Print this recipe Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups unbleached white flour 1 tablespoon fresh ground coriander 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 4 oz (125 g or 1/2 cup) Gruyère or other cheese, grated 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter Instructions: Preheat an oven to 325°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the flour, coriander, pepper, salt and cheese. Add the lemon juice and cut the butter into the mixture using a pastry cutter until everything is well blended and the butter resembles coarse crumbs. Shape into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place on the baking sheet with a bit of space in between each. Flatten with a fork into a criss-cross pattern, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Bake for 20 minutes or until the cookies are lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack before serving. Makes 18 to 20 cookies

Other shortbreads to enjoy from Lisa's Kitchen:
Jalapeño Cheddar Shortbread
Spicy White Cheddar Shortbread Crackers
Italian Lemon Cornmeal Shortbread
Peanut Butter and Blueberry Shortbread Bars

On the top of the reading stack: Dear Leader: Poet, Spy, Escapee--A Look Inside North Korea by Jang Jin-Sung

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