Cheddar Shortbread

These are really tasty. You can eliminate the chopped pecans if you want, and use fancy cookie cutter shapes for a festive appetizer.

3/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 1/2 cups grated old cheddar cheese
1 1/4 cups flour

Combine butter, mustard, and pepper in food processor, and whirl to combine. Add cheese and whirl again to mix.

Add flour and pulse just until blended.

Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface, to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut with desired small cookie cutter and transfer to cookie sheet.

Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top of the cookies.

Bake at 350 degrees F. for about 20 minutes, until lightly browned on the bottom.