Bake and Serve Cheese Straws

• 4 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 stick butter (4 tablespoons) cubed

Preheat oven to 375 F.

Toss cheese with all dry igredients, then pulse in a food processor until loosely combined. Add the butter and pulse until a moldable dough forms.

Shape the dough into a rectangle, then wrap in plastic. Let rest on the countertop or in the refrigerator until ready to use.

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle about 1/8 inch-thick. Cut the dough with a floured knife or pizza cutter into 1/2 inch-wide strips. Lay the strips onto the stoneware serving platter, adding a few twists as you lay it down.

Bake directly on the platter until golden, about 12 – 15 minutes, rotating once during cooking. Remove from the oven and let cool 5 minutes. Serve from the platter.