Cheese Twists

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper (optional)
• 1 cup finely shredded cheddar or American cheese (4 ounces)
• 1/4 cup margarine or butter
• 3 to 5 tablespoons cold water
• 1 beaten egg
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seed or poppy seed

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl combine flour, garlic powder, salt, and, if desired, red pepper. Cut in cheese and margarine or butter till pieces are the size of small peas. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the water over part of the mixture. Gently toss with a fork. Push to side of bowl. Repeat till all of flour mixture is moistened. Shape dough into a ball.
2. On a lightly floured surface, flatten dough with hands. Roll out dough from center to edges, forming a 10-inch square. Brush with egg. Sprinkle with sesame seed or poppy seed. Cut dough into 5x1 1/2-inch strips. Twist each strip. Place on lightly greased baking sheets. Bake in a 400° oven for 10 to 12 minutes or till golden brown. Serve warm or cool.
3. Herbed Parmesan Twists: Prepare as above, except do not use red pepper, add 1/4 teaspoon crushed dried oregano to the flour mixture, and substitute 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese for the sesame seed or poppy seed.
4. Swiss-Caraway Twists: Prepare as above, except substitute Swiss cheese for the cheddar or American cheese and caraway seed for the sesame seed or poppy seed.