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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

24 comments:

Jo said...

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

Blogoratti said...

Great idea and good choice.

Connie said...

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 :)

Martha said...

Wonderful recipe!

Anonymous said...

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

Annie

Lowcarb team member said...

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

Lowcarb team member said...

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

Lowcarb team member said...

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

Lowcarb team member said...

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

All the best Jan

Lowcarb team member said...

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

Gail said...

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.

NCmountainwoman said...

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.

Debbie said...

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!!

DeniseinVA said...

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 :)

Stephanie said...

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.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

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

eileeninmd said...

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

Lowcarb team member said...

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

Lowcarb team member said...

'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

Lowcarb team member said...

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

Lowcarb team member said...

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

Lowcarb team member said...

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

Lowcarb team member said...

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

Lowcarb team member said...

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