A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala

Yield: 48 wafers. 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened 1 teaspoon Texas Pete 1 pound

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

Yield: 48 wafers. 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened 1 teaspoon Texas Pete 1 pound

Yield: 48 wafers.

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon Texas Pete
1 pound sharp Cheddar cheese, hand-shredded

In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, cayenne pepper, and paprika. Set aside.

In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the butter and hot sauce until smooth and creamy. On low speed, gradually add flour mixture, scraping down the sides. Add cheese and continue mixing until all ingredients are well incorporated. Remove dough from mixing bowl, form into a ball, and place on clean countertop.

Cut dough into quarters. Lightly flour countertop and roll each section of dough into log shapes, approximately 2 inches thick. Gently press dough as you roll to eliminate air pockets. Once all dough has been rolled, wrap each cheese log in plastic wrap and tie the ends to ensure all the dough is sealed. Store dough in refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours.

Preheat oven to 350°. Remove dough from refrigerator as needed. Unwrap dough and cut into ½-inch slices. Place slices on parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced 1 inch apart. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until edges are slightly browned. Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes to set. Once wafers are completely cooled, store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

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This story was published on Mar 16, 2021

Lynn Wells

Lynn Wells gained a fond respect and interest in cooking from her mother and Aunt Addie at the age of 8 in North Carolina. During college, Wells worked in a wide range of restaurants, from fine dining to family- owned. After graduating from UNC Greensboro with a degree in nutrition management and hospitality, Wells began a 21-year career in the nutrition department at Cone Health. In 2014, Wells started Thyme Well Spent Personal Chef Service, an in-home cooking experience for private clients, which continues today. Wells is also a food writer, food stylist, culinary consultant, and the recipe developer/writer for Our State.