Cheddar and Cayenne Cheese Straws with a ParisTwist

By jenlin

Ingredients

• 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
• 1 pound extra sharp cheddar cheese, grated by hand
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or more to taste
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups rice krispies

Preparation

Step 1

Mix first six ingredients with a fork or clean hands until all the ingredients are well distributed. It will be a stiff dough but it will all come together eventually. Add Rice Krispies and mix until evenly distributed -- you will need to use your hands at this stage.

Cover and chill for 2 hours. Roll into small balls or logs. Place on ungreased cookie sheet fitted with parchment paper, and mash down with a small fork in a crisscross pattern.

Bake at 325 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until golden on the edges.

Chef's note: The larger you make them, the longer they will take to cook. I like them slightly darker, but if you like them on the lighter side, bake for less time.

Remove from oven and let sit on cookie sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack, and let cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

Serves 20 (3 per serving)