Party Cheese Straws

1/2 package (15 ounces) frozen puff pastry dough 
1 egg white  
1 Tablespoon water 
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese 

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Allow frozen puff pastry dough to thaw 15-20 minutes. Unroll puff pastry sheet onto lightly floured work surface.

Divide pastry sheet into 3 strips along the fold lines. Beat egg white and water in a shallow dish. Sprinkle Parmesan on another work surface.

Dip each pastry strip in the egg white mixture to coat both sides of each strip, them press both sides of each strip firmly onto the Parmesan to coat as thickly as possible.

Cut each strip crosswise with a straight-edged knife into 1/4-inch strips and place 1/2 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Bake until gold and crisp, 8-10 minutes. Slide the parchment paper with baked straws onto countertop to cool.

Makes 4 dozen straws

Helpful Tips

To make ahead, bake the cheese straws, then package and freeze. Before serving, spread straws on baking sheet and reheat in a 400°F oven for 2-3 minutes.

Mix 'n' Match

For cinnamon straws, omit the cheese. Coat egg white-dipped pastry heavily with cinnamon sugar; cut into 1/4-inch strips, transfer to parchment-covered baking sheets and bake as directed.