Love It or Hate It - Marmite and Cheese Straws With a Twist!

Another one of my daughter's recipes - she always makes these for us when she is home. Cheesy, crispy and flaky pastry straws with a lick of marmite - great for pre-dinner drinks, picnics, lunch boxes or snacks. The Marmite company has a very clever advert that announces that you either LOVE Marmite or HATE it! I love it, that's why it has been added to these delicious Cheese Straws........however, if you HATE it - I have suggested alternatives. My daughter only ever uses Marmite in her cheese straws - but then she is also a Marmite lover! Serve these in a tall glass for tasty appetiser nibbles - if you are using the other flavours, you can lable the glasses so Marmite haters can be pre-warned! Have fun! (For all my Aussie friends - PLEASE use Vegemite if you REALLY have to!!!)

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Serves: 6-8
• Yields: 32 Cheese and Marmite Straws

Ingredients

• 1  lb  fresh puff pastry
•  flour
• 2  tablespoons  marmite
• 8  ounces  mature cheddar cheese, finely grated

• Optional Flavours

• 2  tablespoons sun-dried tomato paste (optional)
• 2  tablespoons  gentlemen's  relish (optional)
• 2  tablespoons  fresh pesto sauce (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 220C/425F/Gas 7.
2. Divide the packet of puff pastry into four and use one portion at a time (popping the rest back in the fridge).
3. On a lightly floured work surface, roll each portion to a rectangle measuring about 31cm x 21cm.
4. Spread the pastry with the marmite and then sprinkle with a quarter of the grated cheese.
5. Fold the pastry over lengthways and press firmly together.
6. Cut about eight 1cm wide strips then cut each strip in half (so the straws aren’t too long) and twist.
7. Arrange on baking sheets and chill for 10 minutes before cooking or freeze until ready to cook, then bake for 7-10 minutes, until golden brown and puffed up - the cheese will also have melted.
8. Trim the ends of the straws and carefully stand in glasses for a spectacular way of serving the straws.
9. Alternatively, freeze the uncooked straws in baking sheets lined with parchment and cook from frozen when your guests arrive - you may need to add a few minutes to the cooking time.