It’s proven by scientists that men like beer :). So, for this New Year’s party, I decided to make some homemade snacks that would go with beer… no wonder all cheese sticks (and beer) were gone sooner than expected. I remember my mom used to make some great salty sticks (Romanian Saratele), topped with sesame or poppy seeds, which were always a hit. I didn’t have her recipe this time (I promise to try that one too) so I’ve come up with my own version and it turned out great.

Time: 55 min, Prep: 40 min.  Cook: 15 min.
Servings: ~50 cheese sticks        

Ingredients:

• 250 g unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 200 g Parmesan cheese
• 10 Tbsp white flour
• 1 egg
• Shredded cheddar cheese, sesame,  poppy or caraway seeds

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

In a large bowl mix the butter, parmesan cheese and flour. Knead with your hands until all ingredients are incorporated. Wrap the dough in plastic foil and refrigerate for an hour.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out half of the dough into a rectangle that is about ½ cm thick. Keep the remaining dough refrigerated. Cut into 1 x 10 cm strips. Brush with the beaten egg and sprinkle cheddar cheese, sesame, poppy or caraway seeds. Re-roll dough trimmings and the other half of the dough and repeat the process.

Place the cheese sticks about 1-2 cm apart in a baking pan lined with parchment paper.  Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until very light brown.