CHEES STICK RECIPES

Steps:

• To make the pastry, put the flour into a bowl. Add the butter and vegetable fat and rub them in lightly with your fingertips until the mixture looks like coarse breadcrumbs (this dough is richer and stickier than a standard pastry). Alternatively, rub in the fat using a food processor or a mixer, and then transfer to a bowl.
• Add the cheeses to the flour and fat and mix well. Now, using a table knife, work in just enough cold water to bring the pastry together into a dough. You’ll probably need 2-3 tablespoon. When the dough begins to stick together, use your hands to gently knead it into a ball. Wrap in cling film and place in the fridge to chill while you make the filling.
• Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6 and have ready a metal baking dish, about 24x20cm/10x8in big and 5cm/2in deep.
• For the filling, place the potatoes in a saucepan, cover with water, add a little salt and bring to the boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender enough to mash, about 12-15 minutes.
• Drain the potatoes well and put them through a ricer into a large bowl (this will give you smooth, lump-free mash but you can use a standard potato masher if you prefer). Add the onion, cheese, some salt and a good pinch of white pepper. Beat with a wooden spoon so the cheese is well incorporated. Add the milk and chives and give the mix a good stir.
• Put the mash into the tin and use the back of a spoon spread it out until smooth and even.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pastry so it will just fit on top of the mash. It should be 8-10mm/1/3in thick. Place it on top of the mash, trim the edges neatly and mark the pastry into six portions by scoring it with a knife.
• Brush the pastry with the beaten egg and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden-brown. Let the pie stand for 15 minutes before cutting and serving.

Steps:

• Cut cheddar cheese block into small cubes.
• Place cold mashed potatoes into a large mixing bowl. Add green onion, chopped bacon, garlic powder, black pepper, and 1 egg - mix well.
• With lightly floured hands - pick up a tablespoon sized ball of potato mixture and flatten into a small pancake. Place a cube of cheddar in the center and wrap the potato mixture around the cheese. Repeat.
• In three separate bowls, add flour, remaining egg (whisked) and breadcrumbs. Coat the potato ball in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Coat once more with egg and once more with bread crumbs. Set aside - store in fridge while you wait to fry.
• In a medium pan heat oil over medium/high heat (to approximately 350˚F (180˚C). Fry the potatoes in batches until browned on all sides.
• Transfer fried potato balls to paper towels to drain excess oil. Sprinkle with salt.
• Transfer to a baking tray and bake in a preheated oven for 5 minutes at 400˚F (200˚C).
• Enjoy!