This is the perfect appetizer for unexpected guests because it can be easily prepared in a matter of minutes. It's also a crowd-pleaser.
1-1/2 cups grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup minced fresh basil leaves
Butter

Preheat oven to 375-degrees. Generously butter the surfaces of 2 cookie sheets.
In mixing bowl, combine cheese with basil. Place heaping tablespoons of cheese mixture 2 inches apart on cookie sheets.
Butter the bottom of a drinking glass and press bottom of glass onto cheese mounds to flatten them into "doilies." (Bottom of glass may have to be re-buttered several times.)
Bake 5 minutes, then turn cheese doilies over with a spatula. Bake an additional 2 minutes, or until doilies are golden and crisp.

This sounds like the end product would be VERY greasy. You should be able to get the same result by using aluminum foil with non-stick cooking spray, non-stick aluminum foil, or a silpat instead of all that butter. Also you would not need the bottom of a glass to press them flat before baking, just sprinkle the cheese mixture in even, shallow mounds on the sheet, they should spread out nicely on their own. This concept might also be good with an Asiago cheese and Sage combo. Just place one or two leaves of fresh sage, for each crisp, on the lined cookie sheet, pile the cheese on top and melt. These would also make great soup or salad toppers, yum!! Left by: Laura (30 Oct 2010)