Crackers

Hello, dear cooking enthusiasts! Today I present to you a delicious recipe, perfect for welcoming carolers during the festive season. We're talking about fluffy, aromatic, and crunchy cheese sticks that melt in your mouth. These treats are not only a pleasure for the taste buds but also a wonderful way to bring warmth and hospitality into your home. Let's discover together how to prepare them!

Ingredients for Carolers' Cheese Sticks (8 servings)

- 500 g flour
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 150 g grated cheese
- 200 g margarine (or butter for a richer taste)
- 100 g sour cream
- 1 egg + 1 yolk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 50 g sesame seeds (optional, for the second tray)
- 4 tablespoons warm water

Preparation Time

- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Rising time: 1 hour
- Baking time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes

Brief History

Cheese sticks are a traditional snack often associated with winter holidays. They represent a perfect combination of crunchy texture and rich cheese flavor, making them ideal for serving at festive meals or as appetizers at parties. These treats are easy to prepare and can be adapted with various ingredients, giving them a personalized touch each season.

Step by Step: Preparing Cheese Sticks

1. Preparing the Yeast:
Start by dissolving the yeast in 4 tablespoons of warm water. Make sure the water isn't too hot, or the yeast will be killed. Let the yeast sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is an important step to activate the yeast, ensuring even rising.

2. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, margarine (or butter), grated cheese, salt, and the whole egg. Use a mixer or spatula to mix the ingredients well until you obtain a smooth and creamy mixture.

3. Adding the Yeast:
Once the yeast is activated, add it to the previous mixture. Mix well, then gradually add the flour, little by little, until the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl.

4. Kneading the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for 5-10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If it is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it, or you will end up with tough dough.

5. Rising the Dough:
Place the dough in a bowl greased with a bit of oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for an hour or until it doubles in size.

6. Dividing the Dough:
After the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. Take the first part and roll it out on a floured surface, forming a thin sheet. Use a knife or pastry cutter to cut equal-sized sticks.

7. Brushing and Sprinkling:
Place the sticks on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Beat the egg yolk and brush each stick, then sprinkle grated cheese on top for extra flavor.

8. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat) and bake the cheese sticks for about 15-20 minutes, or until they become golden and crunchy. You will smell an appetizing aroma filling the kitchen!

9. Preparing the Second Tray:
While the first tray is baking, repeat the process with the other half of the dough, but this time sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the sticks before baking. This detail adds a unique texture and flavor that will surely surprise the carolers!

Practical Tips

- Flour: Use good quality flour, as it is the base of the dough. You can opt for type 550 flour for a finer result.
- Margarine vs. Butter: Although margarine is the classic ingredient, using butter can add a richer taste and better texture. Choose the option you like best.
- Flavoring: You can add dried herbs (like oregano or thyme) to the dough for extra flavor. They pair wonderfully with cheese!
- Variations: Instead of cheese, you can use telemea or burduf cheese for a more intense taste. You can also experiment with different seeds (flax or cumin) to diversify the flavors.

Nutritional Values (per serving)

- Calories: Approximately 200 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I freeze the cheese sticks?
Yes, you can freeze the cheese sticks after they have completely cooled. Place them in an airtight container and keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you want to serve them, let them thaw at room temperature and then reheat them in the oven to regain their crunchiness.

2. What drinks go well with cheese sticks?
Cheese sticks are excellent alongside a glass of white wine or a fruit cocktail, but they also pair well with natural juices or hot tea.

3. How can I make the cheese sticks less salty?
You can reduce the amount of salt in the recipe and opt for cheese with a lower salt content. Taste the dough along the way to make sure it is to your liking.

Personal Note

These cheese sticks for carolers are a family tradition for me. Every winter, when the scent of fir and sweet bread fills the air, these treats are a must at our meals. Whether you serve them alongside a cup of mulled wine or simply as an appetizer, I’m sure they will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones.

Now it's time to get to work! You can easily impress anyone with these simple yet incredibly tasty cheese sticks. Don't forget to share the recipe with your friends, as these treats are even more delicious when shared! Enjoy!