1 cup chopped pecans
10 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1½ teaspoons kosher salt
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 tablespoons shortening
8 ounces raw maple sausage
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone mat. With mixer, combine all ingredients on low speed until well combined. The mixture will be crumbly. Using hands, form mixture into 1-inch balls. Place balls on cookie sheet and gently flatten with tines of a fork. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until browned. Remove to a rack and cool. Serve warm.
Yield: 3 dozen
