When you're looking for something yummy, that's not sweet, and is really quick to make for a party, these cheese straws really fit the bill.
The dough can be made ahead and frozen. So when you're planning this is a do-ahead task that will save you time on the day of the event.
{Makes 18 cheese straws}
You'll need:
2 cups all-purpose flour + a little for the board
1 stick of salted butter
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 pound of cheddar cheese, grated
3 tablespoons of cold water
Cooking spray
A little adult help
Equipment:
A food processor
A large cutting board
A rolling pin
A dinner knife
A cookie sheet
Oven mitts
Measure the flour, butter and cayenne right into the bowl of a food processor. Work the mixture until it looks like corn meal.
Add the cheese and process again in quick bursts. Add a few drops of water at a time, just enough to form a dough.
Remove the dough and use your hands to form it into a ball. When it gets to this stage, the dough can be put in a zipper bag and frozen until you're ready to use it. Defrost at least 90 minutes before you need to use it.
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C)
When you're ready to roll out the dough, shake and rub a little flour onto the board and rolling pin. Dust your hands with flour as well.
Roll the dough out flat. Try to get it about 1/4 inch thick all over.
Use the dinner knife to cut the dough into strips about 1/2 wide and about 3 inches long.
Spray the cookie sheets with cooking spray.
Transfer the strips to the cookie sheet. Give them a half twist as you lay them down.
Bake 5 to 8 minutes or until the edges start to brown.
Put your oven mitts on and remove the cheese sticks from the oven.
