Spicy Cheese Straws

Spicy Cheese Straws

Once a month, during the fall and winter, we are get together with a group of old neighbors to play cards. We usually get together once a month . The group can be large at times. It is very casual and everyone brings an appetizer to share. I always try to make something new and last month I decided to make spicy cheese straws. This is a fairly simple appetizer and makes for a nice presentation. I found this while looking for new ideas for appetizers. I adapted the recipe to my own taste and doubled it. The original recipe is from Ann Maloney at NOLA.com The site has a large selection of unique recipes.

Makes about 36

Ingredients:

2 cup sharp cheddar, coarsely grated
1 cup coarsely grated Gruyere or Jarlsberg cheese
2 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 stick cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon Johnny’s garlic spread seasoning (can also use garlic powder)
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
4 + tablespoons milk

3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
1 teaspoon Johnny’s garlic spread seasoning (can also use 1/2 tsp garlic powder dried and 1/2 tsp dried parsley)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place all ingredients, except milk, in a food processor and pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add milk and pulse until dough forms a ball. Place dough on a lightly floured surface. Split dough in half and roll into two 10- by 12-inch rectangles, about 1/8 inch thick (do not get the dough to thin or it will break easily).

Using a lightly floured pizza wheel, or a sharp knife, cut dough into 1/3-inch-wide strips. Twist strips gently and transfer to two lightly greased baking sheets, arranging strips 1/4 inch apart.  If dough tears, pinch it back together. Bake 15 to 18 minutes. Switch trays  halfway through baking time to ensure even baking. Remove from oven.

Melt butter and stir in parsley. Brush over warm straws. Cool completely on baking sheets or racks before serving.

ENJOY!

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