Manchego Marcona Almond Cheese Balls Recipe 425

MANCHEGO CHEESE CRACKERS WITH MARCONA ALMONDS

Steps:

• In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter with the cheese until well combined. Scrape down the side of the bowl and add he flour and salt. Mix on low speed until the dough just comes together.
• Turn the dough out onto a piece of plastic wrap and form it into a log 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Wrap the dough in the plastic and refrigerate it until firm, at least 1 hour, up to 4 days. (The dough can also be frozen for up to 1 month).
• Place an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350º. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or nonstick liners.
• Slice the dough into 1/4-inch coins and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving 1 inch between each. Place the egg and a large pinch of salt in a bowl and beat to mix. Brush the crackers with this egg wash, then press an almond on top of each cracker. Bake on the center rack until the crackers are golden and firm, about 15 minutes. Transfer the crackers to a wire rack to cool. Packed in an airtight container, the crackers will keep for several days.

WARM ALMOND CRUSTED MANCHEGO CHEESE WITH HOT GARLIC VINAIGRETTE AND SLIVERED ALMONDS

Steps:

• Set up 3 bowls: 1 with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, 1 with egg and 1 tablespoon of water and seasoned with salt and pepper, and 1 with the bread crumbs and ground almonds.
• Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
• Cut cheese into 2 equal pieces. Dredge the cheese first in the flour, then in the egg wash, and finally in the bread crumbs. Place the cheese in a small cazuela, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Bake in the oven for 5 to 7 minutes or until golden brown and the cheese is soft. Immediately drizzle with the Hot Garlic Vinaigrette and sprinkle with slivered almonds and parsley. Serve with warm crusty bread.
• Heat oil over low heat in small saute pan. Add garlic and cook until light golden brown. Remove from heat and whisk in the vinegar. Season with salt and pepper.

MANCHEGO WITH ALMONDS AND GREEN OLIVES

Steps:

• Toss olives with oil, garlic, zest, and bay leaves and marinate, chilled, at least 4 hours.
• Bring olives to room temperature. Discard bay leaves and garlic, then toss olives with cheese and sprinkle almonds on top.

MANCHEGO & MARCONA ALMOND CHEESE BALLS RECIPE - (4.2/5)

Steps:

• Combine first 4 ingredients in a bowl with a spatula. Scoop out 36 generous teaspoonfuls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Form into balls, then roll in almonds. Insert a pretzel stick in center of each ball. Refrigerate 1 hour before serving. These can be made up to two days ahead, but save the pretzels for just before serving.