Name: Cheese Straws
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 hr (includes cooling)
Yield: Makes about 2 dozen hors d'oeuvres
Ingredients: 1/4 pound coarsely grated extra-sharp Cheddar (1 1/2 cups); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 3/4 stick cold unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons; 1/2 teaspoon salt; Rounded 1/8 teaspoon cayenne; 1 1/2 tablespoons milk

photo by Ditte Isager

Don't let the delicate look of these hors d'oeuvres fool you. A touch of cayenne gives them a hint of heat that makes them a tasty accompaniment to a pre-dinner cocktail—or even a cold beer.

Cooks' note:

Cheese straws can be made 2 day ahead and kept in an airtight container at room temperature.

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