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Manchego Quince Paste Napoleons

4.1

(4)

Here, a classic Spanish pairing gets reinvented as a bite-size cheese course. We're particularly enamored of the added textural contrast provided by the sliced almonds.

Cooks' notes:

· If the quince paste is difficult to slice thinly, it can be finely chopped, then mashed and spread on cheese layers. · "Napoleons" can be made 1 day ahead and chilled, arranged close together and layered between sheets of plastic wrap, in an airtight container. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    30 min

  • Yield

    Makes 30 to 40 hors d'oeuvres

Ingredients

1 (1/2-pound) wedge chilled aged Manchego cheese, rind cut off
1/4 pound chilled quince paste (membrillo), in a block (preferably rectangular)
1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted and cooled
Equipment: an adjustable-blade slicer

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Square off curved side of cheese wedge with a knife so it fits slicer, then slice cheese into generous 1/8-inch-thick rectangles (about 8). Arrange in 1 layer on a sheet of parchment or wax paper.

    Step 2

    Cut quince paste into 1/16-inch-thick rectangular slices with slicer or a knife and put on top of Manchego slices, piecing quince-paste slices together to cover cheese evenly. Make "napoleons" by stacking 2 cheese/paste layers together. Press almonds decoratively into quince paste on top.

    Step 3

    Cut stacks into serving pieces (about 1 1/2- by 1/2-inch rectangles or 1-inch squares), trimming edges.

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