cheese straws

(from Carolina Sunshine’s recipe box)

Source: mark bittman, new york times (from RecipeThing user mainelyfood)

Cook time: 7 minutes
Serves 10 people

Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb Cheddar or other hard, flavorful cheese
  • 1/3 lb Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups (about 9 oz) all-purpose flour
  • Pinch cayenne
  • 8 Tbs (1 stick) chilled butter, cut into chunks, plus a little more for greasing the baking sheet
  • Few drops ice water, if necessary
  • Coarse salt (optional).

Directions

  1. Heat oven to 450F. Grate cheese by hand or in food processor and place in bowl. Pulse flour and cayenne in processor. Add butter and process until butter and flour are combined. Pulse in cheese.

  2. Turn out onto counter or cutting board and knead by hand, adding a few drops of ice water if necessary. (You may wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 2 days, taking it out for about a half hour before proceeding.)

  3. Roll out into a rectangle about ј-inch thick, on a lightly floured surface or between 2 sheets of plastic wrap, then cut into 1/2" wide strips as long as you like. Place on a lightly greased baking sheet and sprinkle with salt, if using. Bake until golden brown, 5 to 8 minutes. Serve hot, warm or at room temperature.

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