Almond & Cheese biscuits

You can tell when I get an idea in my head that I can't let go.

Biscuits, both savoury and sweet have been on my mind this week as my partner and I have been been on a "soup diet" and, although I love soup, I simply run out of energy in the middle of day and a banana just doesn't do it for me.

I'm not a sweet tooth person, so chocolate is out and at the very most sour cherries and dried fruits are normally the nearest thing I get to snacking.  So biscuits come into my head, and savoury ones are my preference.

This savoury biscuit is one of my all time favourites, not just because its quick to prepare and great with a coffee, but it has a little "bite" as I normally use hot paprika (or failing this, a little chilli powder).  These are also great with drinks for mid-week entertaining and, because they can be prepared and cooked so quickly, can be made fresh before your guests arrive.

75 grams of unsalted butter
75 grams of ground almonds
75 grams of grated strong cheese
25 grams of chopped almonds
one level teaspoon of hot papriki (or half a teaspoon of chilli powder)
milk for brushing

Pre-heat oven to 180/190c.

Rub the butter into the flour and add the cheese and spice.  This should make a light dough/thick paste.

Either roll out to about half a centimetre and cut into squares or roll into a sausage and divide into about 20-24 rounds/portions.

Place on two buttered oven trays and allow for spread.

Press the chopped almonds into the tops of the mixture and brush each with a little milk.

Place in the oven for 15 minutes or until just golden brown.