Gouda and Walnut Cheese Straws

Cheese, walnuts and a hint of heat from cayenne make a tasty, easy to snack on appetizer. This dough recipe is very versatile, experiment with your favourite cheese and spice to create a unique taste each time. This recipe makes 27 straws.

• 3 tbsp. room temperature butter
• ⅛ tsp. cayenne pepper
• ¼ tsp. black pepper
• ½ tsp. kosher salt
• ¾ c. flour
• ¼ c. chopped walnuts
• 3 ½ oz. grated medium Gouda
• 4 tbsp. cold water

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Into the bowl of a food processor, add in the first seven ingredients and pulse to combine. Slowly add the water until the dough comes together into a ball.
2. Form the dough into a rectangle and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for no less than one hour and up to four days.
3. Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
4. Generously flour your work surface and roll out the dough into a (14 x10-inch) rectangle, keeping it about an eighth of an inch thick. Using either a knife or a pastry cutter, trim the ragged edges off. Cut the dough into strips that are 10 inches long by a half-inch wide.
5. Place the strips on the prepared baking pan, twist the ends in the opposite direction for a spiral cheese straw.
6. Sprinkle with poppy seeds or flaky sea salt and bake for 8-10 minutes until the straws are brown and crispy.

Cool completely and serve.

These straws will keep in an airtight container for a week.