Log Cabin Cheese Straws

How to make Log Cabin Cheese Straws Recipe - These were offered along with a jug of wine or a tankard of beer in the Virginia taverns of old. The crisp, cheese-flavored sticks look attractive arranged piled up log-cabin-style on a platter.

Makes about 40

Ingredients:
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded sharp Cheddar Cheese
1/4 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
Dash of Tabasco Sauce
1/8 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon red (cayenne) pepper
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups fine soft bread crumbs
Unbeaten egg white
Coarse salt, grated Parmesan cheese, poppy or sesame seeds

Method:
In a large bowl, combine butter, cheese, milk, salt, Tabasco, paprika and red pepper; blend until smooth. Mix in flour and bread crumbs until blended. Refrigerate 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Working with half of mixture at a time, roll out between 2 sheets of waxed paper to 1/4 inch thick. With a pastry wheel, cut into strips 5 inches long and 3/4 inch wide.

Place on an ungreased baking sheet; brush with egg white, then sprinkle with salt, Parmesan cheese, poppy or sesame seeds.

Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool. Serve piled on a platter log-cabin-style. Serve as a snack with beverages or a salad.