THE LATE STEPHEN HILL'S FAVORITE CHEESE DATE GOODIES

The late gospel music singer and minister shared this recipe of his wife's several years ago.  It is easy and tasty.

Pastry:
1 stick butter
1 tsp salt
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
dash of red pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Grate cheese and mix other ingredients until dough can be rolled.  (A food processor makes this so easy.)  Roll out and cut with a small biscuit cutter.

Filling:
1 pkg (8-oz) chopped dates
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Cut dates into small pieces and mix with the water and sugar and cook until thick and fairly dry.  Cool; add walnuts.

To assemble, put a small amount of the filling on half the cheese biscuit.  Fold over the other side and mash edges together.  Bake at 325 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes.

Yield: 2 to 3 dozen