Cheese Straws
Crisp, flaky cheese straws are easy to make and sure to disappear almost as soon as they are served. Planning a party? Make plenty in advance.
Makes about 72
8 oz. plain flour
½ teaspoon each salt and dry mustard
Pinch of cayenne pepper
4 oz. butter
4 oz. finely grated Cheddar cheese
Cold water to mix
Sift flour with salt, dry mustard and cayenne pepper in a bowl. Rub in the butter lightly till the mixture looks like fine breadcrumbs. Mix in the finely grated Cheddar cheese. Bind together with cold water to make a stiff dough. Roll out the pastry 1/8 inch thick on a lightly floured board. Cut into 4 inch strips and then cut into straws. Lay out the straws on a baking tray. Bake in a hot oven at 400 deg. F – Mark 6 for about 10 minutes until golden brown. Cool on a wire tray.
For more attractive looking cheese straws, twist each straw just after cutting it out from the dough.