CHEESE SABLES
In my second Maybridge Murder Mystery book, Murder Under the Mistletoe, my heroine, garden designer Abby Finch calls on her neighbours, the gossipy June and Beattie, hoping to pick up information on Gregory Tate, who wants her to give his garden a "make-over".
They are enjoying a pleasant evening with a very fine dry sherry and some cheese sables, which they press on Abby. She doesn't need much persuading!
~ ~ ~
“WE'RE just having a glass of sherry,” June said, leading the way into the oak-beamed living room where the wood burner was throwing out very welcome heat and their Christmas tree was providing a festive glow. “Beattie, a glass for Abby. She needs something cheering after yesterday.”
“Not for me,” Abby protested. “I’ve got a ton of work to do, I just wanted to make sure you weren't having nightmares.”
“Oh, we’re fine. Obviously, it’s a tragedy, but poor Edward has looked like walking death for months and we’d all like to go like that. No lingering,” she said. “Help yourself to Penny’s cheese sables.”
The golden cheesy biscuits had walnut halves embedded in them and Abby, unable to resist, bit into one while Beattie, who took no notice of her refusal, fetched another wine glass.
“These are so good,” Abby said. She was definitely putting them on the list to give Penny for the drinks party. “Have the police been to see you for a statement?”
“Harry called in this morning. Not that there was much we could tell him.” Beattie lifted the bottle from an ice bucket and poured out a generous measure. “It’s a Manzanilla pasada she said. “Try it.”
Abby obligingly sipped and groaned appreciatively as the icy cold sherry slipped over her tongue.
~ ~ ~
This is the recipe.
Ingredients – this is the basic recipe. I double it when I'm baking for the family but obviously you can easily increase the amount to suit your own needs.
100 gm butter
100 gm plain flour
100 gm grated cheese
A pinch or two of cayenne pepper to taste if you like a little heat
Salt and pepper to taste (if using a mature cheddar I don't add salt)
Finely chopped walnuts or walnut halves to top (optional)
A little beaten egg
Rub fat into the flour (I needed a bit more flour). Add cheese and seasoning and work into a dough. Roll into a sausage, wrap in greaseproof paper or film and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Cut into circles no more than 5mm thick. (These were a little on the thick side, but still delicious!)
Brush with egg and sprinkle with the chopped walnuts or press in a walnut half
Pre-heat moderate oven (Gas 5, 190 degrees – I used 180 because fan) and bake for about 13-15 minutes until they're golden around the edges. Transfer for a wire rack to cool. They will crisp up once cool.
Variations on this recipe
You can leave off the walnuts and instead top with finely chopped rosemary and salt
You can liberally top with flaked almonds if you don't like walnuts
You can add about 30 gms of chopped unsalted pistachios to the dough - no topping needed.
Liz Fieding
I absolutely love sables! These look scrumptious.
ReplyDeleteA colleague's husband makes these for our writing retreats, Angie .They are delicious!
DeleteThanks for coming by, Angie!
DeleteI have never heard of sables before.
ReplyDeleteBasically, they're a savoury shortbread, Liz. Lovely Christmas treat.
DeleteMe too, Liz! I had never heard of sables.
DeleteGracias por la receta y por la reseña. Te mando un beso.
ReplyDeleteWelcome, J.P!
DeleteThanks for coming by, JP!
DeleteWspaniały pomysł na przekąski
ReplyDeleteThey certainly are a great idea for snacks, Marcepanowy!
DeleteThank you, MK!
DeleteThis sounds like a good holiday read to go along with a couple of yummy nibbles and a cup of tea. Thanks for visiting my blog. :) Erika
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for inviting me, Erika.
DeleteThank you for dropping by, Erika!
DeleteGracias por la recomendación ♥
ReplyDeleteAwesome, Pepi.
DeleteThank you, Pepi!
DeleteA truly inspiring post and a great recipe :) Thank you for the recommendation!
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Poland!
Awesome of you to drop by, Klaudia!
DeleteThank you, Klaudia. I hope all is well with you in Poland.
DeleteWoow these cheese sables look great and yummy. Thanks for the recipe dear Friend. Have a wonderful Sunday. Greetings.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of these either, but they sound scrumptious. Anything with cheese gets my seal of approval!
ReplyDeleteUnas galletas deliciosas y una recomendación de lectura a tener en cuenta. un beso
ReplyDeleteThis recipe sounds delicious and I will certainly be trying it quite soon.
ReplyDeleteI just realised that you were in Zambia, where are you now? I moved to Southern Rhodesia in 1953 with my parents. Eventually South Africa then 18 years ago we bought in France.
Cheers Diane