Flaky pastry sandwiches with a nippy blue cheese filling are an easy-to-prepare appetizer that is sure to please guests. If you wish, you can complete the crisps ahead of time, except for the baking and freeze to store. Preparation time: 25 minutes. Oven temperature: 425 degrees. Baking time: 12 to 15 minutes each sheet.

FOR 48 APPETIZERS YOU WILL NEED:

4 oz. blue cheese
2 tsp. instant minced onion
2 tbsp. butter
1 egg
1 pkg. (3 oz.) cream cheese
2 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
3/4 c. vegetable shortening
1/3 to 1/2 c. ice water
Grated cheddar cheese (opt.)
Paprika (opt.)

1. Beat blue cheese, onion, butter, egg and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Cover and refrigerate.

2. Measure flour and salt into mixing bowl. Cut in shortening until in pea- sized particles. Sprinkle with ice water. Toss with fork until dough holds together in a ball. Divide into 2 parts.

3. Roll out pastry, one part at a time, to form a rectangle about 12 x 8 inches. Spread half the filling over half the pastry. Fold dough over to make a rectangle about 4 x 12 inches. Seal edges well. Press out air bubbles.

4. Using a pastry wheel, cut into 1 inch squares. Place squares on ungreased baking sheet. Sprinkle lightly with cheese and paprika, if desired.

5. Repeat process with second half of pastry and filling. (Any leftover filling can be frozen for future use.)

6. Bake at 425 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned and puffy.

TIPS: These crispy little appetizers are pretty if you use a crinkle-type pastry cutter to cut the squares. To make ahead, freeze unbaked squares in a single layer well wrapped. Bake from frozen state when ready to serve.