Ingredients
3
cups shredded Parmesan cheese (12 oz)
1/2
cup butter, softened
1/4
cup tomato paste
1 1/2
cups all-purpose flour
1
teaspoon dried basil leaves
1/4
teaspoon salt
1/8
teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
Preparation
In food processor bowl, pulse cheese, butter and tomato paste 2 to 3 minutes or until well mixed. Add flour, basil, salt and red pepper and pulse until well combined. Dough should be firm but not dry. If dry, add water, 1 tablespoon at a time and pulsing 30 seconds after each addition, until mixture holds together and a soft, clay-like dough is formed.
Wet a paper towel and rub it over work surface. Place 12-inch piece of plastic wrap on dampened surface (the dampness helps plastic wrap stick to work surface). Scoop half of dough onto plastic wrap and form into a rough log shape. Roll log in plastic wrap and seal ends (log should be about 12 inches long and 1 1/4 inches in diameter). Repeat with remaining half of dough. Refrigerate logs at least 2 hours or until firm. (Dough can be refrigerated 3 days or wrapped in foil and frozen 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator 2 hours before cutting.)
Heat oven to 400°F. Line 2 cookie sheets with cooking parchment paper.
Remove 1 log from refrigerator and remove plastic wrap. Use serrated knife to cut 1/4-inch slices from log. Place rounds about 1/2 inch apart on cookie sheets.
Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned around edges. Remove cookie sheets from oven and cool 2 minutes. Remove rounds from cookie sheet to wire rack. Repeat with remaining dough. Serve warm or at room temperature. Store in airtight container.
