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Jalapeño Stars 🌟
Overview:
Jalapeño Stars are delightful bite-sized appetizers, perfect for serving alongside your favorite cocktails or as a tasty snack any time of the day. Originally featured in Canadian Living, these cheesy treats bring a hint of spice and a burst of flavor to your palate. Best enjoyed at room temperature, they’re a convenient option for gatherings or potlucks, and with a preparation time of just 30 minutes, they’re ideal for those < 30 Mins occasions when you need a quick and easy dish.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 45 star-shaped appetizers
- Cuisine: Southwestern U.S.
- Category: Lunch/Snacks
- Difficulty: Easy
- Appliance: Oven, Small Appliance
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 cup butter
- 2-3 jalapeños, finely diced
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
Instructions:
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Prepare the Dough:
- In a food processor or mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and grated sharp cheddar cheese.
- Add in the diced jalapeños and chopped roasted red peppers.
- Pulse the mixture in the food processor or use a pastry blender to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until a dough ball forms.
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Roll and Cut the Dough:
- Place the dough between two sheets of waxed paper to prevent sticking.
- Roll out the dough to approximately 1/4 inch thickness.
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Shape the Stars:
- Using star-shaped cookie cutters of various sizes, cut out approximately 45 stars from the rolled dough.
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Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer the star-shaped dough pieces to ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake in the center of the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the stars are golden brown and slightly crispy around the edges.
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Cool and Serve:
- Once baked, transfer the Jalapeño Stars to wire racks and allow them to cool slightly.
- Serve warm or at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.
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Storage:
- These Jalapeño Stars can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to 3 weeks. To reheat, simply bake them for 5 to 10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 87.1
- Total Fat: 5.8g
- Saturated Fat: 3.7g
- Cholesterol: 16.1mg
- Sodium: 60.4mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 6.5g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.3g
- Sugar: 0.1g
- Protein: 2.2g
Tips:
- For an extra kick of heat, adjust the amount of jalapeños according to your preference.
- Get creative with your star shapes by using different sizes of cookie cutters.
- Serve these Jalapeño Stars alongside your favorite dipping sauces or spreads for added flavor variety.
- Ensure the dough is rolled out evenly for consistent baking results.
- Allow the stars to cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your mouth.
Enjoy these cheesy, spicy delights as a flavorful addition to any occasion or gathering! 🧀🌶️✨