Sunday, 6 December 2015

Cheese Straws : Low Carb & Gluten Free : Lovely For Xmas Nibbles


I don't know about you, but as Christmas draws ever nearer I often hear family and friends start talking about all the get-togethers, family parties, firms do's etc. they will be going to. They can be fun and enjoyable, although many can find they can be tiring too ...

So many of us are rushing around doing our best to get the shopping, cooking, decorations and cards sorted, and probably about 101 other things too ...

Now if you have an up-coming get-together and are looking for a great idea for 'nibbles' why not consider making these. They are low carb, gluten free and tasty ...

Ingredients:
1 & 1/4 cup almond flour
2 tbsp coconut flour
2 tbsp arrowroot starch 
1 tsp xanthan gum
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp salt
5 tbsp butter, well chilled and cut into small pieces
2-4 tbsp ice water
4 oz finely grated mature cheddar cheese

Instructions:
1. In the bowl of a food processor, combine almond flour, coconut flour, arrowroot starch, xanthan gum, garlic powder and salt. Pulse a few times to combine.
2. Sprinkle butter over almond flour mixture and pulse until it resembles fine crumbs.
3. With processor running on low, add water through feeding tube 1 tablespoon at a time until dough clumps together.
4. Form into a flat disc and cover with plastic wrap. Chill 30 minutes.
5.Preheat oven to 300F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Take about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms into a cigar shape. Continue to roll gently on a piece of parchment or a silicon baking mat into a long thin stick, less than half an inch thick and 7 or 8 inches long (if it breaks at any point, you can easily press it back together).
7. Sprinkle with a few teaspoons of grated cheddar, gently pressing the cheese into the stick to adhere. Transfer to prepared baking sheet.
8. Repeat with remaining dough and cheese.
9. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, until firm and cheese is lightly browned. Remove from oven and let cool completely (they won't be crisp until they are fully cooled).

Original recipe idea from Carolyn here

Hope your Christmas season is going well


All the best Jan
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24 comments:

  1. Jo6 December 2015 at 12:36

    We all love cheese straws here. The only problem is, you can never stick at one can you? They're so moreish.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Blogoratti6 December 2015 at 13:29

    Great idea and good choice.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Connie6 December 2015 at 15:22

    Hi, I've not heard of xanthan gum, is it something that I could find at a Safeway or maybe a health food store? I really want to try this recipe :)
    Connie :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Martha6 December 2015 at 15:37

    Wonderful recipe!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous6 December 2015 at 15:50

    These are a good choice for nibbles. I get my Xanthan Gum from Sainsbury's.

    Annie

    ReplyDelete
  6. Lowcarb team member6 December 2015 at 22:03

    Jo
    Yes, cheese straws are very moreish. Can you stick with just two or three? This recipe is not as high in carbohydrates that some others may be and they are definitely winning nibbles!

    As we come to Sunday evening ... hope the new week ahead will be a pleasant one for you.

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
  7. Lowcarb team member6 December 2015 at 22:04

    Blogoratti
    Many thanks for your comment - glad that you liked this choice.

    Hope the new week ahead will be a good one for you.

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
  8. Lowcarb team member6 December 2015 at 22:15

    Connie
    Thank you for your comments here ...
    Xanthan gum is used in gluten-free baking. Since the gluten found in wheat must be omitted, xanthan gum is used to give the dough or batter a "stickiness" that would otherwise be achieved with the gluten. You can read more about it here
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xanthan_gum

    Here in the UK it is available in supermarkets and health food stores.

    In the US a popular make is Bob Mills - have a look at their website, I understand they also have store locators on the website, so I hope you may be able to find one near you.
    You may find a store like Walmart stocks it as the UK equivalent Asda stock it.
    Link to Bob Mills here
    http://www.bobsredmill.com/xanthan-gum.html

    Happy Baking

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
  9. Lowcarb team member6 December 2015 at 22:16

    Martha
    Glad you liked the recipe - many thanks for your comment.
    Good wishes for the new week ahead

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
  10. Lowcarb team member6 December 2015 at 22:19

    Annie
    Thank you for your comment.
    Yes Sainsbury's and (I think) most of the UK supermarkets do have Xanthanm Gum ... also health food stores like Holland and Barrett. The Doves Farm brand seems to be quite popular.

    Hope your weekend has gone well, all good wishes for the new week ahead.

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
  11. Gail6 December 2015 at 23:47

    You always show the most enticing recipes. Thanks.

    Thanks for visiting. I'm glad you smiled, saw your favorite color and enjoyed your visit.

    Have a very blessed week.

    ReplyDelete
  12. NCmountainwoman7 December 2015 at 00:37

    Cheese straws are a party staple here in the South of the US. First appetizer a Southern girl learns to make is with Bisquick and grated cheese. I'll give your recipe a try. Bet they will go fast.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Debbie7 December 2015 at 02:38

    So nice to see something I really love, prepared in such a healthy way. I can always count on you, the recipes you share are a healthy alternative!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. DeniseinVA7 December 2015 at 02:49

    This looks lovely Jan, thank you for the recipe. I haven't made cheese straws in many years but this is definitely another recipe of yours that is going on my list. Have a great week :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Stephanie7 December 2015 at 04:06

    I aways enjoy your recipes, dear Jan. They are healthy AND appetizing {{smiles}} Thank you for taking the time to share with us and to encourage us to eat better.

    Hugs to you and blessings for a lovely week.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hilary Melton-Butcher7 December 2015 at 07:41

    Hi Jan - cheese straws are always a good standby and usually don't last very long. This must make a difference and help hugely with the planning for a low-carb diet ... good to know about - cheers Hilary

    ReplyDelete
  17. eileeninmd7 December 2015 at 10:58

    Hello, these cheesestraws look delicious. Thanks for sharing the recipe. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Have a happy new week!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Lowcarb team member7 December 2015 at 18:27

    Gail
    Many thanks for your comment, glad you liked the look of these and the recipe idea.
    ... and yes, I did enjoy my recent visit to your blog and it would seem that we both like the colour pink!

    Have a great week ahead.

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
  19. Lowcarb team member7 December 2015 at 18:30

    'NC'
    Cheese straws are a great favourite at this time of year aren't they. I'm sure you enjoy your recipe - but it is sometimes good to try out a slightly different one.
    Enjoy ...

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
  20. Lowcarb team member7 December 2015 at 18:32

    Debbie
    Many thanks for your lovely comment, we do our best to suggest different recipe ideas, something for all.These cheese straws do taste great, very moreish!

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
  21. Lowcarb team member7 December 2015 at 18:33

    Denise
    I do hope you have a chance to try out this recipe soon ... I'm sure you will enjoy them.

    Many thanks for your comment - have a great week.

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
  22. Lowcarb team member7 December 2015 at 18:36

    Stephanie
    So pleased to read you like the recipe suggestions on our blog ...
    I love sharing them, and giving readers the opportunity of trying them out, if they want to of course!

    My good wishes to you and your family for the coming week.

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
  23. Lowcarb team member7 December 2015 at 18:39

    Hilary
    Thank you for your comment.
    Yes, cheese straws are very popular and always seem to go down well for 'nibbles'. This recipe is a great one if you are looking for a lower carb, or alternative one ...

    Have a great week

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
  24. Lowcarb team member7 December 2015 at 18:41

    Eileen
    Always lovely to receive your comments, thank you.
    Cheese straws are always a popular 'nibble', especially at this time of year.

    Wishing you a good week ahead too ...

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete

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The best of health to you and yours.

Eddie