Take Ina’s advice and create this log of cheesy goodness, slice and keep them in the freezer unbaked for an easy apero snack. I did the opposite, and cooked the entire thing for two people. Ended up freezing most of them…how they fare baked and thawed is a story to tell another day (to be determined!). The richness of the cracker is enhanced with a fig jam to bring some sweetness.

Ina’s Blue Cheese & Walnut Crackers

• 1 stick of butter at room temperature
• 8-12oz. blue cheese at room temperature
• 1.5c. flour
• 2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1 egg beaten with 1 T. water for a wash
• 1/2 c. walnuts, finely chopped

1. Cream together butter and stilton with an electric mixer. They must be very, very “room temperature,” so get them out in advance.
2. Stir in the flour, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir in 1 T. cold water and stir until dough comes together in a large ball.
4. On a floured surface, dump the dough ball out of the bowl and shape into a 12″ log.
5. Next to the log, lay out plastic wrap and on it, sprinkle walnuts approximately the same length of the log.
6. Brush the log with egg wash on two facing sides, then gentle roll and press into the walnuts.
7. Repeat with remaining 2 sides.
8. Secure plastic wrap around the log of dough, the refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.
9. Preheat oven to 350F and place parchment paper on a baking tray.
10. Once chilled, cut log into ~24 crackers. Either freeze or place on tray to bake immediately, about 20 minutes.