Garlic and Chive Cheese Sticks

These cheese sticks are melt in your mouth delicious! Serve alone for a great wine party snack or with your favorite Italian dish.

 

Image Credit:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/dinnerseries/8019722530/in/faves-76097205@N05/

2 sheets puff pastry, thawed if previously frozen
1 egg, beaten
1 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 - 1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives
salt & fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
flour for dusting your work surface

1. Preheat oven to 375*F. Mix cheeses, butter, basil, garlic powder and chives together and set aside.

2. Place one puff pastry on the floured working surface and use a fork to poke holes on the pastry. Then, brush the pastry with the beaten egg. Put half of the cheese mixture on top of the pastry.

3. Place another pastry on top of the other one and repeat step 2 starting with poking holes on the pastry and brush with beaten egg. Put the rest of the cheese mixture on the pastry.

4. Cut the layered pastry in strips that are approx. 3/4" thick. Twist the sticks and arrange them on the baking tray with wax or parchment paper. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown and crisp. Store between layers of wax papers, when fully cooled, away from moisture.

~MLE