Izzy Cookies - aka Cheese Wafers

It's that time of year! Everyone and their mother is cranking out holiday sweets by the truckload. 

But there are people out there that don't like sweets. 

Pick your jaw up off the floor. They exist!! I know one. 

His name is Izzy. And he's married to one of the sweetest people in the universe, Miss Josie. I met Josie back when they were dating. Josie's got one heck of a sweet tooth - like most of us - and was shocked at Izzy's indifference to holiday treats. But she really liked him. It was his only flaw. 

She and I and two other amazing women were all living in the same house at the time, and were planning an amazing holiday shindig. We all wanted to have some sort of "dessert" for him at our big Christmas party. So he could feel included, while everyone else was shoving their faces full of sugar cookies and bourbon balls.

Then - miracle! I remembered this recipe my mom had for cheese wafers. They totally looked like cookies, but were savory. Thus, they were perfect for Izzy! He could partake in the "cookies" of the season, but still enjoy them. It was a perfect fit.

And - the name "Izzy Cookies" stuck. It stuck good. 

Izzy also happens to be an astoundingly smart guy, who I'm certain will be counted as one of the more incredible people I will have had the pleasure to meet. 

So, here are his namesake cookies. 

Start with butter, flour, salt, cayenne, and smoked paprika.

Beat it all up and add in the cheddar cheese. 

Then the rice krispies. 

Mix it all up.

Roll up into balls, about the size of a pecan. 

Flatten them with a fork. 

Bake until golden. 

Try to not eat all of them before the party....



Izzy Cookies
Makes 3-4 dozen
Adapted from my Mamma's Cheese Wafer recipe

2 sticks butter, softened
2 c. flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
8 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 c. rice krispies

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, mix butter, flour, salt, cayenne, and smoked paprika with an electric beater. Stir in the cheese. Then stir in the rice krispies. Roll into balls the size of a pecan. Flatten with a fork. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until golden.