Parmesan and Thyme Crackers

These buttery, shortbread crackers serve as wonderful little nibbles before dinner along with a glass of wine.  Rich with the flavor of Parmesan cheese, these savory delights would work wonderfully as an hors d'oevres for a dinner party or as a snack for a cocktail party.

Parmesan and Thyme Crackers (Recipe Adapted from Ina Garten)

1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature

4 oz. freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 1 cup)

2 tsp. minced fresh thyme leaves

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1 1/4 cups flour

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter for 1 minute.  With the mixer on low speed, add the Parmesan, thyme, salt and pepper and combine.  With the mixer still on low, add the flour and combine until the mixture is in large crumbles, about 1 minute.  If the dough is too dry, add 1 tsp. water.

Dump the dough onto a floured board, press it into a ball and roll into a 9 inch log.  Wrap in plastic (or in waxed or parchment papers) and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or for up to 4 days.  The dough can also be frozen for up to 6 months - defrost it overnight in the refrigerator and then slice and bake when you're ready to serve.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Cut the log into 1/4" rounds with a small, sharp knife and place them on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.  Bake for 22 minutes, until very lightly browned.  Rotate the pan once during baking.  Cool and serve at room temperature. (The butt ends of the dough log have a tendency to overbake, so you may certainly discard these.)

NOTE:  I had a problem with the moisture content.  If you do not add any water, the dough is going to be uselessly crumbly and you'll never get it to form into a ball.  I had to add more than a teaspoon of water - I added 2 - 3 tablespoons of water and only then did it form a real dough-like consistency.  Also, after conducting 'quality control,' it's my opinion that the flavor of the cheese overpowers the thyme.  If you're a fresh herb fiend, add as much thyme as you'd like (but at your own risk)!

If you cannot find super fresh pre-grated Parmesan cheese at your grocery store (Sendik's stores carry a GREAT selection of grated, shredded, shaved, etc. cheeses), you may certainly use the grated Parmesan that comes in the canister.  There will be a little bit of a flavor difference (won't taste quite as fresh) but the overall quality of the crackers stays the same.  Expect these disappear FAST...and then wait for compliments, ;).