Rosemary Gouda Straws

Thanks to store-bought puff pastry, these rosemary gouda straws are a total cinch to make for an appetizer for entertaining guests.

Apologies to all you New Year’s Eve partygoers, but I’m sitting this one out.

I know I sound like a total party pooper.

Usually, I’m not such a downer.

I kind of think I’m fun. Seriously.

And it’s not that I am not excited about 2016. Actually, I am looking forward January.

If anything, what I don’t like are the obligations to make big changes at the start of a year.

Why can’t we do something to better ourselves in July or August? In my opinion, New Year’s resolutions bring with them an unfair level of pressure.

The commentary isn’t about success. It’s always about how long your life revision will last before you go back to how things were before.

What really bothers me about NYE, are the the logistics.

Again, I am sounding boring.

However, as any parent understands, the challenge of finding a babysitter on one of the biggest nights of the year is just too much to tackle.

That feels even more magnified after struggling to find someone to watch our little guy a few weeks ago during peak holiday party season.

Honestly, I can’t wait to celebrate in the comfort of my own home.

Even though we won’t be out on the town for NYE, that doesn’t mean I won’t be in a festive frame of mind.

For sure, cocktails and champagne will be on the menu along with snacks.

This night is more about drinks than food, so I won’t spend long in the kitchen. Frozen puff pastry makes these rosemary gouda straws a cinch.

I am planning to whip up a batch on the big night.

Hopefully I manage to stay awake for the countdown.

How To Make Rosemary Gouda Straws

I am always reminded of the magic of frozen puff pastry every time I use it.

No, puff pastry isn’t on my usual rotation. Maybe I should entertain more!

Appetizers are where it really shines.

First, I scatter shredded gouda on my work surface and roll out a sheet of puff pastry on top of it.

That basically locks the cheese into the dough.

Then I brush the top of the dough with a little water and sprinkle it with chopped fresh rosemary.

With a pizza roller, I cut the dough into strips. Then I move the strips to the prepared sheet pans and twist them.

Next, I chill the dough in the refrigerator. This helps the twists keep their shape.

The rosemary gouda straws bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. They are best eaten the day they are made.

Rosemary Gouda Straws

• Author: Paige Adams
• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 55-60 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

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Description

Thanks to store-bought puff pastry, these rosemary gouda straws are a total cinch to make for an appetizer for entertaining guests.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1–14 ounce package frozen all-butter puff pastry (thawed)
• 1 cup shredded gouda
• Flour for rolling pin
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary

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Instructions

1. Line two sheet pans with parchment paper.
2. Sprinkle the gouda over your work surface. Lightly brush a rolling pin with flour. Roll out the dough to a 10-inch by 12-inch rectangle allowing the cheese to stick to the bottom of the dough. Brush the top with a little water and sprinkle on the rosemary.
3. Use a pizza cutter to cut long strips about ½-inch wide. Place the strips 1 inch apart on the prepared sheet pans. Twist each strip and lightly press down the edges. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
4. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the straws are puffed and golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
5. Serve warm or at room temperature. Straws are best eaten the day they are baked.

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