How about some cheese straws with that martini?

Happy Friday!!!

Wow, am I the only one who has had a crazy week?  I guess it’s to be expected with only 11 days to Christmas.  Do you have all your shopping done?  Not me.  As always, I’ll be hitting  the stores up until Christmas Eve.  What can I say.  I like the last minute hustle and bustle.

Today, I’m taking a little tour later over at Brook Syer’s blog.  If you don’t know, Brook is a hubby, a dad and is also the author of THE BRAINIAC series and you can read all about them here.  He has graciously decided to help me and the Make Believe gang promote the anthology by interviewing me on his blog today.  That should be up later on his site under Author Interviews.  He’s a fun guy so make sure you head over and say hi and thank him for spreading the Make Believe goodness.

Speaking of goodness, yesterday I posted a recipe for a delicious alcoholic drink called Reindeer Trax.  But what about those treats you have to have on the table for your guest when they come over for your Christmas party?  Or what if you have to take some sort of food to a holiday party?  Well, do I have the perfect treat for you. This is my grandma’s recipe for her famous cheese straws.  You cannot go wrong with these delightful goodies.  Enjoy and Bon Appetite!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon powdered mustard
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2/3 stick butter (1/3 cup)
• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon each celery seed and paprika

Directions:

Sift the first 4 ingredients into a mixing bowl. Add butter and 1/2 cup of grated cheese and cut into a coarse crumb consistency. Add water and toss lightly. Shape into a ball. Roll to 1/8″ thick – sprinkle 1 side of the dough with 1/4 cup of cheese. Fold dough over and sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup of cheese. Roll again to 1/8 inch thick and cut into 4″ strips that are 1/2″ wide. Sprinkle with celery seed and paprika. Bake at 350° for 12 to 15 minutes. Makes 5 dozen. (For other variations, you may substitute garlic powder for the celery seed and paprika, or leave plain.)  Serve with marinara to add an extra zing.

And, speaking of parties, Robin Coyle has all the info on a super-duper virtual Christmas party taking place tomorrow night.  Why don’t you pop in over at her place and let her tell you all about it.  It’s going to be a fantastic get together.  Hope to see you at the big shindig!

Quote of the Day:  

A smile is a curve that sets everything straight. ~ Anonymous

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