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Miss O'Grady's Cheese Straws

Source of Recipe

From "Southern Living Recipe Revival"


Recipe Introduction

"Cheese straws are the quintessential go-with-anything Southern party starter. Plus, they freeze so well they're perfect to keep on hand for impromptu guests—that is, if you don't eat them all while waiting for the doorbell. This vintage twist? A clever roll-and-fold technique incorporates the cheese into the buttery dough."

List of Ingredients

â—¦ 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
â—¦ ¾ teaspoon salt
â—¦ ½ cup cold shortening, cut into pieces
â—¦ 4 tablespoons ice-cold water
â—¦ 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
â—¦ Parchment paper
â—¦ 1 large egg, lightly beaten
â—¦ 30 pecan halves


Recipe

Combine the flour and ¾ teaspoon of the salt in a medium bowl; cut in the shortening with a pastry blender until mixture is crumbly. Gradually add the ice-cold water, stirring until dry ingredients are moistened. Shape the dough into a 4-inch square (about 1 inch thick). Wrap in plastic wrap, and chill 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 400° F. Roll the dough into a 14-by-10-inch rectangle (about ¼ inch thick). Sprinkle with â…“ cup of the cheddar cheese. Fold the dough over onto itself in three sections, starting with one short end. (Fold the dough rectangle as if folding a letter-size piece of paper.) Repeat entire process two more times, beginning with rolling into a ¼-inch-thick dough rectangle (about 14-by-10-inches).

Roll the dough to a ¼-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface; cut into 30 (2 ½-by-1 ½-inch) rectangles, and place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Brush lightly with the egg. Place one pecan half in the center of each rectangle, pressing gently. Sprinkle lightly with salt and red pepper to taste. Bake at 400° F for 16 to 18 minutes or until lightly browned and crisp. Cool on baking sheet 5 minutes; transfer to a wire rack, and cool completely (about 15 minutes).

Makes 30