Cheddar Cheese Straws

I'm always on the look for great snacks. I have to, my kids eat all day long ( I have two teenagers in the house) and because potato chips and other supermarket snacks don't make my grocery list I have to find alternatives. That's one of the reasons I was so happy when I found this recipe, in one of my cooking books " Gifts from the kitchen" by Ann Kleinberg.

Very cheesy and crispy, those were an instant hit with my boys. Now I make double the recipe every time. Those straws keep in an air tight container for up to one month ( not in my house).

The recipe that follows is for about 22 to 25 straws, as I said I made double the recipe which makes about 50.

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter

8 oz sharp cheddar cheese grated ( 225 g)

4 oz parmesan cheese (100 g)

1 cup all purpose flour sifted

1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Cream the butter in a large mixing bowl, on medium speed for about 2 minutes.

Add the grated cheddar cheese.

Add the parmesan, the flour and the worcestershire sauce. Mix on low speed until the dough comes together.

Turn the dough on a lightly floured surface and form into a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3 hours.

After 3 hours remove the dough from the fridge, line 2 baking sheets with silicon mats or parchment paper set aside. Divide the dough into 1 inch balls.

Roll each ball into a long thin strip. My little chef had lots of fun making those.

Place the straws on the prepared baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven of 425˚F for about 12 minutes, or until golden and crisp.

Cool on a rack, once cool store in a air tight container.

Can be served as an appetizer, or as a snack.

Enjoy!