Cheese Straws

The traditional Southern snack is cheese straws. They only require a few ingredients to make and taste great when paired with wine. They are a cross between a cheese cracker and a savory cookie.

Ingredients :

• 228g or 1 3/4 cups of self-rising flour
• A half-teaspoon of sweet or smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper, or to taste, 1/4 teaspoon
• 1/8 of a teaspoon of kosher salt
• Freshly shredded half a pound of extra- or sharp cheddar cheese
• Unsalted butter, 1 stick (1/2 cup), at room temperature
• Water, 1 to 4 teaspoons, or as required

STEPS :

     1. The dry ingredients together :

The flour, paprika, cayenne, and salt should all be combined in a medium bowl.

     2. Making the dough :

In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, combine the newly shredded cheese with the softened butter, beating for about 2 minutes on medium speed. Using a hand mixer and a sizable mixing bowl is another option.

Add the dry ingredients and blend by beating on low speed. If additional water is required, add it one teaspoon at a time until a dough forms. The dough should be pliable, not dry, but also not sticky, like play dough.

While the oven heats up, cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and allow it to rest.

     3. The oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit :

Use parchment paper to line 2 big sheet pans.

    4. Form the cheese straws :

Scoop the dough into a cookie press with a big star disk when the oven has heated up. Pipe 2- or 3-inch lines onto the baking sheet, leaving roughly 1/2 inch between each straw.

Alternately, roll out half of the dough into a rectangle that is 1/8 inch thick on a lightly dusted surface. To cut into 1/2-inch strips, use a sharp knife, pizza cutter, or pasta cutter. Place them on the baking sheets after giving them a few twists or leaving them as plain strips. With the remaining dough, repeat.

     5. Bake :

The cheese straws should bake for 14 to 17 minutes, or until they are crisp, golden brown on the bottom, and light brown on top. Rotate your baking sheets halfway through if you're using two at once.

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