Mary Berry, a name synonymous with delicious and comforting food, has gifted us with countless recipes over her illustrious career. Among them is this classic cheese straw recipe, a simple yet delightful snack that’s perfect for any occasion.
Cheese straws are a staple in many kitchens, known for their crispy texture and savory flavor. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients – butter, flour, salt, and cheese – you can whip up a batch of these irresistible snacks in no time. Plus, they can be made ahead of time, making them ideal for lunchboxes or a quick bite when hunger strikes.
Berry’s recipe notes that these cheese straws are truly traditional, promising a delicious snack experience. The entire process, from start to finish, takes only about 30 minutes, and a single batch yields enough to satisfy four to six people.
Here’s what you’ll need to create Mary Berry’s classic cheese straws:
* 200g self-raising flour
* 1 level teaspoon of dry mustard powder
* A quarter-teaspoon of salt
* Freshly ground black pepper
* 114g butter
* 125g mature Cheddar cheese, grated
* A little beaten egg
Now, follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C Fan) and lightly grease two or three baking trays or sheets.
2. In a bowl, combine the self-raising flour, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub in the butter until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Then, stir in the grated cheese.
4. Gradually add a little beaten egg to the mixture, forming a dough. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth.
5. Roll out the dough to about 6mm thickness and cut it into narrow strips.
6. Arrange the strips on the prepared baking sheets and bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden.
7. Let the cheese straws cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, enjoy these delightful cheese straws with a cup of tea or your favorite beverage. Mary Berry’s recipe promises a delicious and satisfying snack that will leave you wanting more.
