Cheddar Puffs

Grate cheese and cut butter into bits.

Add all other ingredients and stir the mixture with a wooden spatula until it forms a ball.

Knead the dough lightly to distribute the fat evenly and reform it into a ball.

Dust with flour, then chill for 1 hour (wrapped in waxed paper).

Roll out between two sheets of waxed paper into 1/4 inch rectangle and cut out rounds with a 1-inch fluted cutter.

Arrange these 1 inch apart on baking sheets.

Brush with 1 large egg beaten with a pinch of salt.

Sprinkle rounds with poppy seed and bake at 425° for 10 to 12 minutes, until puffed and golden.

Let cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to rack to cool completely.