Mama's Sausage Pecan Balls

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350F.

Step 2: Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking sheet or parchment paper.

Step 3: Place the pecans in the work bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade.

Step 4: Pulse until chopped, but not too finely, then remove to a bowl and set aside.

Step 5: Replace the blade with the grating disc and grate the cheese, then remove to a second bowl and set aside.

Step 6: Switch back to the metal blade.

Step 7: To make the sausage mixture, in the same bowl of the food processor (no need to clean it), combine the flour, baking powder, salt and cayenne pepper.

Step 8: Pulse to combine.

Step 9: Add the shortening and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse meal

Step 10: Add the grated cheese and the sausage and pulse until well combined.

Step 11: Transfer the mixture to a bowl.

Step 12: Add the reserved pecans and, using your hands, press the dough together until well combined (The dough will be very crumbly).

Step 13: To form the balls, using a small ice cream scoop and your hands, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 14: Bake until browned, 20 to 25 minutes.

Step 15: Remove to a rack to cool.

Step 16: Serve immediately.