32 crackers
APPETIZER
Ina Garten Foolproof (p. 37)
All-purpose flour - 2 cups
Baking powder - 1⁄8 tsp
Unsalted butter - 1 3⁄4 sticks
White cheddar - 5 oz
Egg - 1
Jalapeno pepper - 1 tbl
Chili powder - 1⁄4 tsp
Unsalted butter - keep very cold, dice
Cheddar - grate
Jalapeno - seed and mince
Egg - beat with 1 tbl milk to create an egg wash
Place the flour, 1 tsp salt, and baking powder in a food processor fitted with the steel blade and pulse to mix. Add the butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Add the Cheddar, jalapeno, and chili powder and pulse again. With the food processor running, add the ice water all at once. Continue pulsing until the mixture begins to form a ball. Dump the dough onto a floured board and roll it into a 14 inch log. Wrap in plastic, and refigerate for at least 1 hour.
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
Cut the dough in 1⁄8 inch thick slices. Place the crackers on the prepared sheet pan, brush with the egg wash, and sprinkle with sea salt. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.