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This appetizer is shamelessly good.\u00a0 It is decadently delicious.<\/p>\n
Grown men weep when the last piece disappears from the plate<\/p>\n
The cheese straws are rich, spicy, and addictive beyond belief.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Best of all they are quick and easy to make, and virtually fool-proof.<\/p>\n
Cheese straws will keep in the refrigerator, in a sealed (locked??) container for two days.\u00a0 They will not last an hour at a party!!<\/strong><\/p>\n SPICY CHEESE STRAWS<\/p>\n 1 1\/2 cups (about 5-6 ounces) grated extra-sharp Cheddar cheese<\/p>\n 4 tablespoons (2 ounces) unsalted butter taken directly from the refrigerator and cut into small pieces<\/p>\n 3\/4 cup unbleached all purpose flour – plus more for dusting<\/p>\n 1\/2 teaspoon kosher salt<\/p>\n 2\/3 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes<\/p>\n 1\/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.<\/p>\n 1 tablespoon cream or half-and-half.\u00a0 In a pinch you could use milk.<\/p>\n Preheat oven to 350\u00b0F.<\/p>\n In a food processor combine the cheese flour, butter, salt and peppers in a few 5-second pulses until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Add the cream and process until the dough forms a ball, about ten seconds.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n On a lightly floured surface using a lightly floured rolling pin, roll the dough into an 8 – by – 10 inch rectangle that is 1\/8 inch thick.<\/p>\n With a sharp knife or a pizza or pastry wheel cut the dough into strips\u00a0 1\/2 inch wide.<\/p>\n Using a metal spatula gently transfer the strips to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.\u00a0 Leave at least 1\/4-inch between the strips. The straws can be any length, from two to ten inches.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n