At each neighborly garden swap, the attendees bring three things:

1. A swap item to share, generally homegrown, but many homemade goodies arrive as well.
2. A drink to share
3. A snack to share

Here is the magic of the swap. Not only do you get to take home all kinds of fresh homegrown produce, you also get to try some really great food. At the last swap, I walked up to a humble basket of crackers.  I asked what they were, and found that Helen had made homemade Cheez-it’s.  I’d seen this on Pinterest, but I’d always wondered… could they really be that different?  Could they be”worth it” to cut all those tiny little squares?  My friends, yes…  yes they are.  They are crispy, cheezy, layered squares of heaven.  So here’s my little snack that I’m sharing with you, inspired by Helen, recipe from Pinterest.  You can thank me with a baggie of these on my porch.

Homemade Cheez-It’s

• 1 c flour
• 4 Tbsp butter, cubed
• 8 oz, shredded sharp cheddar
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp cayenne
• 4 Tbsp cold water

In a food processor, pulse together flour, butter, cheese, salt and cayenne until crumbly.  With the food processor on, drizzle in the water until the mix comes together.   Form a ball and wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 20 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Roll out the dough between two pieces of plastic wrap to about 1/8 inch thick.  Fold in half, then fold again, to create layers.  Now roll out again to about 1/8 inch thick.  Cut into 3/4 inch squares and poke a hole in the middle with a toothpick.  Place on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes.  Eat the same day they are made.

Makes enough for 4-6 people as a snack. Beware, these are ADDICTIVE!

Cheeze-Its