You Will Be My Witnesses

Cheese straws, one of the best party nibbles to have are easy to make. Crisp and savory, they are ideal for  drinks, soups and salads.

                     These are baked at 18 minutes.

Cheese straws are popular snack of the Southern United States. Originally made in biscuit form, they now come in all shapes and sizes. They are traditionally made using a cookie press with a star nozzle, and dough made with flour,butter,salt,cheddar and cayenne. There are also cheese straws made from puff pastry and with other type of cheeses and herbs.

This is a traditional recipe adapted from the Lee Brothers' Southern Cookbook.

Cheese Straws



Ingredients

1 1/2 cups grated extra sharp cheddar cheese
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (56)
3/4 cup flour, plus more for dusting
1/2 tsp kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (moderately hot cayenne pepper)
1 tablespoon half and half (milk)



Method

• Preheat oven to 350F(180C).

• In a food processor, combine the cheese,butter,flour,salt and red pepper(cayenne) in five 5-second pulses until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the half and half(milk) and process until the dough forms a ball, about 10 seconds (mixed in Kitchenaid)
• On a lightly floured surface, using a lightly floured rolling pin, roll the dough into an 8 by 10 inch rectangle that is 1/8 inch thick. With a sharp knife ( or a pizza or pastry wheel;both worked great),cut the dough into thin 8 inch strips, each 1/4 to 1/3 inch wide (dipping the knife in flour after every few inches ensures a clean cut)(didn't follow measurement)

• Gently transfer the strips to an ungreased cookie sheet (parchment), leaving at least 1/4 inch between them. The dough may sag or may break occasionally in the transfer, but don't be concerned - just do your best. The straws can be any length, from 2 to 10 inches.(various length and thickness in two batches)

• Bake the straws on the middle rack for 12-15 minutes (18mins 1st batch and 20 mins 2nd batch), or until the ends are barely browned.
• Remove from the oven and set the cookie sheet on a rack to cool. Serve at room temperature. 

Note: Cheese straws will keep in the refrigerator, in a sealed container for two days. They will not last an hour at a party! For a crisper bite, bake at 20 minutes.

   These are baked at 20 minutes

This post is linked to Little Thumbs Up 'Cheese' hosted by Alice of I love.I cook.I bake, organised by Zoe from Bake for Happy Kids and Doreen from My favourite DIY

What Have I Learnt Today?

Last Sunday was the first week of Sunday School term. The lessons for the first term will be on the Book of Acts. The book of Acts gives an eyewitness account of the birth and growth of the early church. Acts records the apostles being Christ's witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the rest of the world.
The book also records the gift  of the Holy Spirit who empowers,teaches and serves as our guide.. There were many miracles being performed during this time by the disciples.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8