Cheese StrawAppetizer from Suzanne at the Pot Luck Dinner

Parmesan and Cracked Pepper Straws




one 17 1/2 oz. package frozen puff pastry, thawed in the fridge

1 egg

1 tablespoon water

3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided

1/2 Tablespoon coarsely ground black pepper



Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper (or use silicone mats)



On a lightly floured surface, roll out one sheet puff pastry into a 18 by 10 inch rectangle. Lightly beat egg and water together in a small bowl. Lightly brush the rectangle with the egg wash. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the cheese and the black pepper over it. Roll out the other sheet of dough into an 18 by 10 rectangle, and place over the first sheet. Gently roll over it with a rolling pin to fuse them together. Trim any uneven edges. Lightly brush the top with the egg wash, and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut crosswise into 1/2 inch wide strips.

Arrange the strips about a half inch apart on the baking sheets. Place the baking sheets in the fridge for about 15 minutes or until the pastry has chilled down again.

Bake in the upper and lower thirds of the oven, and switch halfway through baking until the strips are crisp and the edges are golden. 10 to 12 minutes total. Cool on racks.

Can be made up to 2 days ahead, and rewarmed for 5 minutes at 350 degrees.



This recipe needs a salty parmesan to really be at it's best, or a light sprinkling of kosher salt would be good also