Ye Olde Tavern Life

Ye Olde Tavern's Cheese Straws

2 cups flour

pinch of salt

pinch of pepper

1 stick butter, chilled

2 eggs, beaten

2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese

smoked paprika

Preheat oven to 400. Sift flour, salt and pepper into a mixing bowl. Mix butter into mixture until the mixture resembles coarse bread crumbs. Add eggs and cheese. Mix until it forms a stiff dough, roll into a ball, cover with waxed paper and refrigerate for 30 minutes. On a floured board, roll dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut dough into sticks about 1/2 inch wide and 6 inches long. Brush each stick on one side with a little of the beaten egg and sprinkle with a little paprika. Twist each stick and place on baking sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes, until a light golden color. Cool on wire rack. Store in airtight container.

"So dull and dark are the November days.
The lazy mist high up the evening curled,
And now the morn quite hides in smoke and haze;
The place we occupy seems all the world."
- John Clare, November