For the Media
Blue Cheese Enhances Flavor of Classic Southern Appetizer
NASHVILLE, Tenn., December 2006 Flaky little cheese straws are one of the classic symbols of Southern hospitality. Delicate and flavorful, these little appetizers are served at celebrations throughout the year, but almost obligatory at Christmas parties and open houses.
Usually made with a good sharp Cheddar, cheese straws or wafers with the addition of a little blue cheese will add an extra punch of flavor to your holiday parties.
Blue and Cheddar Cheese Straws and Wafers
6 oz. (1 1/2 cups) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
4 oz. crumbled blue cheese
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups Martha White® All-Purpose Flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
Heat oven to 375° F. Grease large baking sheet. In small bowl, combine cheeses and butter; beat with electric mixer until blended. In medium bowl, combine flour, salt and ground red pepper; mix well. Add to cheese mixture; beat in or stir until well blended. If dough is very soft, cover and refrigerate 1 hour.
Form dough into smooth ball. On lightly floured surface, roll out dough until very thin, about 1/8-inch thickness. With sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut dough into 5x1/2-inch sticks or cut into 1 1/2 inch rounds with small biscuit cutter. Place on greased cookie sheet.
Bake at 375° F. for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool at least 15 minutes on wire rack before serving.
60 to 72 appetizers