Savory Cheese and Sesame Pastries

Makes about 24 pastries

1/4 cup raw (untoasted) sesame seeds
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup very cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
4 drops Tabasco sauce
3 tablespoons cold water

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Spread the sesame seeds out on a sheet pan. Toast 5 to 7 minutes, just until fragrant. Let cool completely and set aside.

3. In a food processor, combine the flour and salt using a couple of one-second pulses
.
4. Add the butter pieces to the food processor. Combine the flour and butter using 5 or 6 one-second pulses. There should be some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining in the mixture.

5. Empty the flour/butter mixture into a large bowl. Add the cheese and the cooled sesame seeds.

6. In a small measuring cup, combine the Worcestershire, Tabasco, and cold water.

7. Sprinkle some of the liquid over flour mixture and toss with a fork to combine. Continue adding liquid and tossing lightly, just until mixture holds together. Add another teaspoon or so of water if necessary.

8. Roll out the dough to 1/8" thick. Using a fluted pastry wheel, cut into 1" wide by 3" long strips. Place on ungreased sheet. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 12 minutes, until the pastries are lightly golden brown.

From: Ward Street Bistro