Shelly's Recipe

CHEESE STRAWS

Category: Snacks / Crackers / Chips

1 (17 1/4 oz) pkg frozen puff pastry
1 slightly beaten egg white
1 tsp cracked black pepper
1 1/2 cups finely shredded white cheddar, dill Havarti, or Pepper jack cheese

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. Unfold pastry on a slightly floured surface; brush lightly with some egg white. Sprinkle with half of the pepper. Sprinkle with half of the cheese. Top with second sheet of puff pastry. Brush with egg white and sprinkle with remaining pepper and cheese.

With a rolling pin, roll puff pastry to seal the sheets together and press cheese into the pastry. Preheat oven to 375. Cut the pastry into long 1/2 inch strips. Gently twist each strip several times.

Transfer to prepared baking sheet, pressing down ends. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to a wire wrack and let cool. Makes about 20 straws.

NOTE: They can be prepared up to 1 day in advance and stored in airtight containers; reheat and crisp in oven, at 350 uncovered, 5 minutes.

Variation: Use crumbled feta cheese flavored with sun-dried tomatoes and herb.