Cheddar Cheese and Sesame Bites
10 ounces white cheddar cheese, shredded2 tablespoons sour cream2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature2 tablespoons minced shallots 1/2 teaspoon salt 2/3 cup sesame seeds, toastedLine a tray with aluminum foil. In a food processor, combine with cheese, sour cream, butter, shallot and salt and process until smooth, about 1 minute. Scoop up 1 heaping teaspoon of the mixture, roll between pals to form a bite-sized ball, and place on the tray. Repeat with the remaining mixture. Refrigerate the balls until firm, about 1 hour.Spread the sesame seeds on a plate. Roll the balls in the seeds, coating them evenly. Once the balls are coated, sprinkle any remaining seeds on a patter. Rest the balls on the seeds and serve.Serves eight to 10.Nutrition values per serving: 193 calories, 16 g fat (7 g saturated), 3 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber, 9 g protein, 38 mg cholesterol, 328 mg sodium."Williams-Sonoma Cocktail Parties" (2006 Free Press, $24.95)