Mamas Sausage-Pecan Balls

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350; line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. 2

   Add pecans to the work bowl of a food processor fitted with metal blade.

3. 3

   Pulse until chopped, but not too finely.

4. 4

   Remove to a bowl and set aside.

5. 5

   Replace the blade with the grating disc and grate the cheese; remove cheese to a second bowl; set aside.

6. 6

   Switch back to the metal blade (no need to clean bowl) add flour, baking powder, salt, and cayenne pepper to bowl of food processor; pulse to combine.

7. 7

   Add in the shortening and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse meal.

8. 8

   Add in the grated cheese and the sausage; pulse until well combined.

9. 9

   Transfer mixture to a bowl; add in the reserved pecans and, using your hands, press the dough together until well combined (the dough will be very crumbly).

10. 10

    To for the balls, use a small ice cream scoop and your hands, shape mixture into 1-inch balls and place about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.

11. 11

    Bake 20-25 minutes, until browned; remove to a rack to cool; serve immediately.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

No additional tips available.