Cheese crackers with cheddar cheese and cumin

Cheese, cheese and caraway sticks - a delicious and aromatic recipe, perfect for any occasion, whether it's a party, a gathering with friends, or simply to enjoy a tasty snack at home. These sticks are tender, crunchy, and full of flavor, and the combination of cheese and caraway gives them an unmistakable taste.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients needed:

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 100 g fat (can be lard or butter)
- 100 g butter (or another type of fat, as preferred)
- 100 g grated cheese
- 100 g grated cheddar cheese
- 200 ml warm milk
- 1 beaten egg (for the dough)
- 1 tablespoon dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 3-4 tablespoons caraway seeds

For brushing the sticks:
- 1 egg, beaten with a little salt
- 2-3 tablespoons poppy seeds, for sprinkling

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Activating the yeast: In a medium bowl, pour the warm milk and add the sugar. Mix well until the sugar completely dissolves. Add the dry yeast and let the mixture sit for 5-7 minutes until a foam forms on the surface. This is a sign that the yeast is active and ready to be used.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour with the melted fat (make sure it is just warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast). Add the butter and mix well. Add the grated cheese and cheddar cheese, the beaten egg, and mix again. Start gradually incorporating the milk with the yeast, mixing continuously. Continue adding the milk until you obtain a soft dough that does not stick to your hands.

3. Seasoning the dough: If the cheeses used are not very salty, add a teaspoon of salt (or to taste). Remember that cheddar cheese can add significant saltiness!

4. Resting the dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rest in a warm place for 30 minutes. This will allow the yeast to act and improve the final texture of the sticks.

5. Shaping the sticks: Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. On a floured work surface, roll out each piece into a thin sheet about 5 mm thick. Use a pastry cutter to cut strips of dough into baguette shapes, long or short, as preferred.

6. Preparing for baking: Place the baguettes on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Brush them with the beaten egg with salt to achieve a golden and crunchy crust. Sprinkle caraway and poppy seeds on top for an attractive aroma and appearance.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180-200 degrees Celsius. Bake the sticks for about 15 minutes, or until they turn golden and slightly browned.

8. Cooling and serving: Remove the sticks from the oven and let them cool on a platter. They are delicious warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature.

Practical tips:

- You can experiment with different types of cheese based on your preferences. Feta cheese or cottage cheese can provide an interesting flavor.
- If you want to enrich the flavor, you can add dried herbs like oregano or basil.
- These sticks keep well in an airtight container for a few days, but they are best enjoyed freshly baked.

Nutritional values:
These sticks provide a balanced combination of carbohydrates from the flour, proteins from the cheeses, and healthy fats from the butter and fats. Each serving has approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the portion size.

Perfect pairing:
These sticks pair wonderfully with a yogurt sauce or an olive paste. You can also prepare a cheese dip that perfectly complements the taste of the sticks. A recommended drink would be a dry white wine or a pale beer, which balances the intense flavors.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Sure! Whole wheat flour will add extra nutrients and an interesting texture.
- How can I make the sticks spicier? Add a little cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the dough.
- Can I freeze the sticks? Yes, they can be frozen before baking. Place them on a tray, freeze them, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

The cheese, cheddar cheese, and caraway sticks are not only an excellent appetizer but also a way to bring family and friends together around the table. Enjoy your meal!