Ingredients:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/2 cup reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup light butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
• 2-3 tablespoons cold water
Instructions:
1.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and cayenne pepper.
3.
Add the cheeses: Stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses.
4.
Incorporate the butter: Add the chilled butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5.
Form the dough: Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
6.
Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/8 inch thick.
7.
Cut into strips: Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into thin strips, about 1/4 inch wide.
8.
Bake: Place the strips on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
9.
Cool and serve: Let the cheese straws cool on a wire rack before serving.