Spicy Cheesy Olive Puffs

by Annie
(New Mexico)

These are SO easy to make, and are super delicious! You can mix & match the doughs and olives for a great variety~ but IMHO, the tart green olives with cayenne are the best~ fun surprise for the taste buds!!
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1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (or Cheddar/Jack)
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (extra if you dare)
~~OR Paprika for ''tender'' mouths
approx. 24 pimento-stuffed, jalapeno-stuffed, OR garlic-stuffed green olives, OR plain, large black olives


Preheat oven to 400 degrees F

In a small mixing bowl, combine cheese and butter. Stir flour and cayenne pepper or paprika into the cheese and butter mixture. Blend well. Wrap a tablespoon of dough around each olive.

HINT~ put the dough on the palm of your hand and work it into a thin layer; place olive in the middle and start wrapping. Depending on the size of the olive, you may use a teaspoon, or you may use as much as a tablespoon.

You can make the dough as thin or as thick as you like; have fun experimenting!!

Arrange the wrapped olives on a cookie sheet.

Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown.