Gluten Free Cheese Straws

Cheese Straws are a firm family favorite in our house. I have adapted this recipe from the original 1950's one my Nan would make. Growing up they were especially made at Christmas and it wouldn’t be Christmas until my Mom had made these yummy bites. Now we all make them and really cheese straws are great anytime of the year!

They are quick and easy to make, you can add lots of different toppings to make them your own. I like adding chilli flakes to mine - I’m a bit of a Chilliaholic! Originally the recipe said cut the mixture into strips, hence the ‘straw’ part but you can cut them into any shape you like with whatever cookie cutter you have. Tip: If you do use cutters try not to re-rolling the mixture too much as it can become tough.

Recipe

• 4oz/113g GF Plain Flour

• ½ teaspoon Xanthan Gum

• 3oz/85g salted Butter

• 3oz /85gfinely grated Cheese (use any hard cheese, I like using strong cheddar and red fox)

• Pinch of Salt

• I egg yolk. Save egg white for glazing.

• Pinch of Cayenne pepper.

You can adapt the recipe as you please. Top with chilli flakes, sesame seeds, poppyseeds, paprika, mixed seeds, crushed peanuts.

1. In a food processor add the flour, Xanthan gum, salt, butter and cayenne pepper, blitz to bread crumb texture.

2. Add the finely grated cheese and blitz for a few seconds until its mixed evenly in the mixture.

3. Add the egg yolk and blitz until the mixture comes together, this will take only a few seconds.

4. Turn out onto a floured surface and roll out until 1cm thick,then use your chosen cookie cutters to cut out and place on nonstick baking sheet.

5. Whisk the egg white until it’s a foamy texture and brush over the shaped.

6. Add any topping you like and then bake at 170c for 10 minutes or until golden brown.

7. Leave to cool on tray.

Enjoy!!