Parmesan, Cayenne and Poppy Seed Cheese Straws

These cheese straws are a super quick, easy and delicious appetizer to serve at your next cocktail or dinner party.  It just takes a few ingredients: puff pastry (homemade or store-bought), parmesan cheese, poppy seeds and a dash of cayenne pepper.  Cut in to long strips, twist and then bake in a hot oven.   Buttery, savory and with just a kick of spice, they are perfect accompanied with a glass of bubbly!

Cheese Straws (adapted slightly from Martha Stewart)

1 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 pound store-bought puff pastry
1 to 2 tablespoons poppy seeds (optional)

Line two baking sheets with nonstick baking mats; set aside.

In a small bowl, mix together cheese and cayenne pepper, if using. Sprinkle cheese mixture on work surface; top with puff pastry and roll out to a 10-by-13-inch rectangle, pressing dough into cheese to adhere. Sprinkle top of dough with poppy seeds, if desired; press gently with a rolling pin to adhere.

Using a pastry cutter, trim sides to form a 9-by-12-inch rectangle. Cut puff pastry into 3/4-inch-thick strips. Grab each end of a dough strip with your fingers and carefully stretch and twist strip in opposite directions; arrange 1 1/2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Transfer to refrigerator to chill, about 45 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Transfer baking sheets to oven and bake until golden and puffed, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.