Spiced Puff Pastry Cheese Straws

Name: Spiced Puff Pastry Cheese Straws
Yield: makes about 6 dozen
Ingredients: 2/3 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (about 2 ounces); 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/4 teaspoon Hungarian paprika; 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons water; 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (from one 14-ounce package), thawed according to package instructions, and unfolded

By Virginia Willis

December 9, 2011

Image may contain Cutlery Fork and Plant

Photo by Chelsea Kyle

Having grown up on Dede’s Cheese Straws (page 15), I never knew this version existed until I went to culinary school. Like Dede’s traditional Southern version, these savory, buttery bites get their kick from cayenne. If cayenne is too hot for you, simply substitute paprika or pimento (smoked paprika from Spain). Store-bought frozen puff pastry can be gruesome, so choose carefully; I always use Dufour’s, available online and at gourmet markets such as Whole Foods.

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