Cheese Straws

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper
• 5 tbsp. cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1 cup shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3-4 tbsp. cold water

Makes 16 Servings (3 cheese straws per serving)

1. Preheat the oven to 375 F.
2. Combine the flour, pepper and crushed red pepper in a food processor and pulse to mix. Scatter butter on top of seasoned flour; pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Scatter cheddar and Parmesan on top and drizzle with 3 tablespoons of water; pulse until mixture forms a ball, adding remaining 1 tablespoon water, if needed.
3. Turn dough out onto lightly floured work surface. With lightly floured rolling pin, roll dough into 9-inch square. With pizza cutter or knife, cut dough into 3 x 1/2-inch strips, making a total of 48 strips.
4. Place cheese strips about 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheet.Bake until golden, about 15 minutes. With wide spatula, transfer cheese straws to wire racks and let cool completely. Cheese straws can be stored in airtight container up to 2 days.

WW POINTS VALUE: 2 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW New Complete Cookbook. This appetizers/snacks will quickly become a favorite. These cheese stick are packed with heat and flavor. They go great with any dish depending on what kind of cheese you use. If you're cooking Italian, use Italian cheeses with some Italian herbs. If you're cooking French cuisine, use Gruyere. If you're cooking Spanish, use manchego. If you're cooking American BarbeQue, use the extra-sharp cheddar. I also highly recommend adding minced garlic to this sticks because garlic always makes everything taste better.