Cheese and onion pinwheels

Unexpected guests. No, they were not staying for dinner, but didn't mind having a couple of drinks with us. My fridge and pantry were almost like Mother Hubbard's cupboard- almost bare. Not really in a mood to pick up the usual snacks from the nearest store, I felt like a contestant on one of those food game shows- produce a dish with 5 or less items.

A quick rummage through the fridge revealed cheese and the word "onion" popped into my head. Oregano and then the slab of butter caught my eye. So something with pastry it had to be and then the idea for pinwheels took shape.

In no time, the shortcrust pastry was made and while it was chilling in the fridge, I started on the filling.

Processed cheese, a finely chopped onion, the aforementioned oregano ( I guess rosemary would also have been fantastic), pepper and salt. The pastry was rolled out, the cheese mix spread out, rolled up, sliced, a quick egg wash and popped into the oven.

They were excellent with cocktails.

Cheese and onion pinwheels

Ingredients for shortcrust pastry
200 gm plain flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
100 gm cold unsalted butter, diced
Ice water to mix
1 beaten egg for glazing

Ingredients for cheese and onion filling
75 gm processed cheese, grated
1 onion, chopped fine
1 teaspoon oregano
Freshly milled pepper, to taste
A pinch of salt

Method
Sieve flour and salt into a mixing bowl, rub in butter till the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
Add in ice water, a tablespoon at a time, gather together the crumbs very gently till the mixture forms a dough.
Do not knead or overwork the dough as the pastry will be tough.
Wrap the dough in clingfilm and keep in the fridge for 1/2 hour.
Mix together all the ingredients for the filling.
Preheat the oven to 200°C.
On a clean worktop, sprinkle a little flour, place the pastry on it and roll into an 8"x12" rectangle, keeping the edges straight.
With the longer edge facing you, spread the cheese filling evenly over, leaving the top 1/2 " plain.
Roll up tightly into a neat roll.
Use a sharp knife and slice into 1/2 " pieces.
Lay the slices on a lightly greased baking sheet.
Brush with beaten egg and bake for about 15-20 minutes or till golden brown.