This is a new variant of an old and easy party favourite. The dough is mixed up in the processor and rolls out easily. It may crack a bit for the first roll-out, but just resquidge together and roll out again like Play-Doh. Unlike other pastries, you don’t have to be afraid of handling it. I keep rolling and re-rolling to the bitter end. You can use any cutter, but I’m a sucker for stars.

Makes

45

Ingredients

200g grated smoked cheddar
50g soft unsalted butter
100g plain flour, plus extra for rolling
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp celery salt
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 x star cutter 5cm diameter point to point

Method

Step 1: Preheat oven to 180°C/ gas mark 4.

Step 2: Put all ingredients into a food processor and blitz until the dough comes together. Form into two flat discs, wrap in cling film and refrigerate for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Roll out the first disc of dough on a lightly floured surface to about the thickness of a pound coin and cut out your cheese stars. This is a very good-tempered dough, and any botched stars can be added back to the dough as you go to be re-cut.

Step 4: Line a flat baking sheet with parchment and arrange on top, then pop into the oven for 12-15 minutes, by which time the stars will be puffed and golden. Repeat the same process with the second batch of dough.

Step 5: Once the stars are cooked, transfer to a wire rack to cool a little.

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Cheese stars