I don’t know any good party card tricks.
I have one joke. ย It goes exactly like this:
How do you catch a unique bird?
….. You nique (as in… sneak) up on it.
Yea. ย It’s bad. ย That’s totally not a good party joke unless you’re dressed as a clown and making balloon animals for 6 year olds.
I’m a little awkward when it comes to casual party conversation. ย I’m awful when it comes to remembering names. ย I’m not the kind of girl that sings karaoke or plays rock band… it’s really just better if I don’t partake in these sort of party activities.
You know where to find me at a party… the kitchen. ย Obviously. ย Can I help you with that potato salad? ย Can I make you a cocktail? ย Can I whip up some chocolate chip cookies? ย Perhaps you’d like some sparkling water with cucumber.
And. ย Come to think of it. ย I totally do have one party trick! ย Cheese straws. ย They’re so easy… and they’ll so make you feel Martha Stewart-ish.
Also! ย There’s an important note that has nothing to do with cheese, straws, or bad party jokes.
I’m going on book tour with the release of my first cookbook, the Joy the Baker Cookbook… ย out on February 28th.
Check out where I’ll be on this little Book Tour. ย I humbly request your smiling face meet mine!
For this easy party trick, we’re working with puff pastry.
Puff pastry has a way of making everything easy.
It also has a way of creating that ‘wow-factor’ thing…. it’s all the puff and fluff created by pastry layers.
I think this sort of thing is as pretty as can be.
They’ll get prettier too! ย Golden brown and crunchy good!
After a bit of baking, the puff pastry becomes golden brown and butter flakey. ย The cheese melts and locks in all the herby good flavor. ย The whole pastry becomes a party-friendly cracker rod.
You look like a flawless hostess. ย Your dress is ironed. ย Your shoes are pretty. ย You haven’t even broken a sweat.
And your cat? ย How he covets.
Parmesan and Herb Cheese Straws
adapted from Shutterbean
makes about 16 straws
1 large egg, beaten
few dashes of hot sauce
1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed but still cold.
1/3 cup parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped chives
1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
coarse ground black pepper
coarse sea salt
Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat oven to 375 degrees F. ย Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Unfold puff pastry on a lightly floured work surface and roll out just slightly. ย The puff pastry should measure about 10×12-inches.
In a small bowl, whisk together egg, hot sauce, and a splash of water. ย Brush the egg wash over the surface of the puff pastry. ย Sprinkle pastry with cheese and herbs, coarse pepper, and a bit of salt. ย Use the rolling pin to gently roll and press the toppings into the puff pastry.
Using a floured knife or pizza cutter, cut pastry lengthwise into about 1/2-inch strips. ย Hold each end of the pastry and twist several times. ย place the twisted pastry on the prepared sheet, about 1-inch apart.
Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until puffed and golden brown. ย You may want to take the baking cheese straws out halfway through baking to flip. ย Allow to cool on the pan for 10 minutes before placing in a large glass to serve.
Cheese straws will last, in an airtight container at room temperature, for up to 3 days. ย They’re really best within a day of baking. ย
148 Responses
bad recipe
I’m so sad! I made these the other night and followed the recipe to a T, but once the straws were placed in the oven all of the cheese and herbs slid out of the twisted pastry and onto the pan. This recipe is such a great idea, but I’m not sure what went wrong. Is there a step I’m missing?
Oven too cold preheat oven to desired heat / too much filling it is only for flavour not to fill everybody up on cheese
I don’t see shallots in your photos, but I do see what looks like chives or possibly scallions. And is that really thyme, or perhaps rosemary? Looks delicious, regardless!
Sounds so simple yet delicious! Perfect last minute appetizer snack idea. Love the joke haha
Yay!!! I totally have some Puff Pastry in my freezer and I’ve been dying to do something different with! This is great idea! No party to try them out for but, by the looks of them, they might not have made it to the party anyway! =) Thank you!!
These look so yummy, I am making them this weekend…and can’t wait to share them as I’ll look like quite the talent around my friends! lol Thanks for sharing!
These look yummy!
I wish, wish, wish you were coming to Houston. Or Austin. I would love to step up to the table and have you sign my pretty, shiny book! Maybe on the next round… :)
Have a great time! Enjoy every moment!
Want another good joke? Here we go. What’s brown and sticky? A stick!
Yes, that’s the joke. Though I can’t see you using it. You’re a lady.
I covet your cat. Adorable!
I only ever have one joke in my head at a time, at the moment, it’s the truly naff:
Which cheese do you use to hide a horse?
Mascarpone
(possibly only works with an English accent)
These look so delicious! And would go great with a pizza night. Adding it to my list!
Yummmm!! These look fantastic… I need to have a party just so I can use this fun party trick :D
Awesome looking rods of pastryliciousness! You just verified in my brain how simple food can be just so damn tasty at the same time. Watch that cat, he looks fishy and Ill pop by in HB in March :)
Take care..
YUM!! These seem so delicious – – and I’m sure there are so many variations you can make.
Congratulations! I already ordered my cookbook on line but will you have some on hand on the tour? I want to get my signed and I’m nervous it won’t get here in time.
You get ’em, party girl! Those are so fancy-looking… and that cat is so fluffy! I like your joke. I’m going to tell it to as many people as possible today.
Thanks for being awesome!
xoxo
These look delicious! I have to make them
Yay for your book tour! I’m sorry I’m going to miss you as you’re touring around but I’ve already pre-ordered your book and am going to have a pretend Joy book tour at my house while flipping through your book and listening to your podcast. Is that lame? I don’t care. Totes nerding out and doing it.
You’ll be great!
As I was reading the post, my husband came over to see what I was doing, saw the uncooked straw pic and said, “What the?!” Then I scrolled down to the cooked version pic and he said,”Aaah..oooh!” That about sums up what I think of the straws as well. :)
Totally used that joke last night. Thanks bucko!
Yummy!!!
i want this but i want this in whole wheat im on a special diet any ideas
I love your kitty.
Those parmesan sticks look so good!
these look amazing perfect for a cocktail party
sorry,didnt have time to read the comments and see if someone asked that before.when you say ”hot sauce” what do you mean exactly?
like Tobasco!
I like your party trick and your joke better than my one and only joke. Here goes…What’s big and red and eats rocks? A big red rock eater! Yep, yours is much better.
Hi there!
Just hopped over from heathers blog. Congrats to your new book, u must be so excited! =)
Your herby cheese straws would be over in 5 mintues if they were standing like that around in my house. Looks like your cat has taken a fancy on them. ;)
Perfect of a nice aperitif with friends!
Yep, they’re definitely the best. I make them too, back here in Slovenija, yet with some other stuff/ingredients.
I love this kind of things for meetings,partying or just having a conversation over a glass of red wine.
A far far better way of a snack, then all the faty,salty chips from the store. Yak ;)
Sad. You aren’t visiting anywhere close to me :( Oh well. I can’t wait for your book to come out! :)
And cheese straws are awesome. They are the perfect crunchy snack-ish food that I can eats loads of :)
This does remind me a bit of Martha Stewart, but I think we all want to summon a bit of her from time to time. These look so fun to eat!
I could eat these cheese straws forever!!
Joy, what herbs did you use here? Chives?
I’ve already marked my calendar for your visit to Omnivore Books! I can’t wait
Come to Vancouver!!
do you think rosemary would work in place of thyme? Any other herb you’d recommend?
Very perky indeed these straws – they look great on the table you’ve set.
This is a really weird joke but funny – a kid told me it once many many years ago.
What’s green and rides across the dessert? Lawrence of Asparagus :)
You picked the right weekend to come to Seattle! I will see you on St. Patty’s day!!
Oh, I so wish you’d come to the North Dallas area… I’d bring you gifts!!!!!
This looks both crazy easy and a lot of fun.
Oh, and I made the pretzel dogs (with veggie hot dogs) over the weekend, and while they were definitely the best the first day they still warmed up well and were tasty all week long even when using the microwave!
Yay! These looks yummy! I would love to give them a try.:)
Oh I love these! Can’t wait to make some. And I’m sad… the closest stop on your tour is NY which isn’t really that close.
i love those.. i can eat around 20 of them.. lol
Why didn’t the alien eat the clown? ..It tasted funny.
Expect this clearly hilarious Canadian to show up in Seattle. I promise not to make jokes.
these look fantastic!!! i love how your cat totally get in the picture. i don’t think i have a picture of my kids that doesn’t involve my cat. :)
these look delicious!! can’t wait to try them!
looks so good! poor kitty. my cat used to covet a lot!
(making the spinach/blood orange/feta salad tonight!)
That cat…!! I laugh every time I see him in one of your pictures. And those cheese straws have my mouth watering. And that joke…classic! Love it!
“And your cat? How he covets.” That last line was golden…I laughed so hard seeing his poor little face longing for those cheese straws haha! Poor boy.
These look delish!! And I always enjoy seeing your cat in the background. He reminds me of my orange kitty (who was a demon for the first 2 years of his life, but has turned into a lazy loaf of fur since lol).
I wish I could show my smiling face at a book tour stop! But you aren’t coming to Phoenix (hello? 8th largest city in the US! and we have some lovely little bookstores around ASU). Now I’m going to go pout until your book arrives in two weeks. haha
This would be great to make with my niece. She accidentally made pastry the other day – just happened to mix the right ingredients together in the right way.
Here’s my joke:
Why don’t lions play cards in the jungle? Because there are too many cheetahs!
As a side note: your cookbook will be available at the book signings??
hahahhahhaaa!!! and yes… books at the signing for sure!
I laughed at your joke!
I am convinced most of friends only invite me to parties because they know I’ll take over the kitchen and then they can go have fun….
Wish you were coming to UT on your book tour. I WOULD SO come and meet you face to face!
xxoo,
RMW
i use the same joke! except with a rabbit… “how do you catch a unique rabbit?” but the second part of the joke is “how do you catch a tame rabbit?” “the tame way!” :)
oooh these look yummy!
Plus, I love the photo of Jules staring at the straws…..’now, will they be worth my while jumping up there for?’ heck yes!
Oooooh these look so cool!
Wow. So easy and so crispy & delicious! I love little things like this.
When it’s all said and done, your baking party tricks beat the most hilarious of jokes, fun of games, and best of karaoke-ers!
I have never seen a cheese straw. I feel so deprived. Now I know what my life is missing.
I’m super excited for your cookbook! My sister preordered it for my Christmas present, and I can’t wait to finally see it!
I do like something that looks fancy with no work. But even more, I like the fabulous new jokes I’ve learned from this post and comments. Between these tips, I’m SO going to be the hit of the next party!
These are perfect dinner part fare – I make mine with mustard and black sesame seeds. Must try these next time. I’m giving away a cast iron skillet on my site next week – still time to enter! https://www.loveumadly.com/2012/02/win-like-jeremy-lin-cast-iron-skillet-contest/
Cheese straws are really good! I wondered why you said they’re easy, but then I saw you use frozen puff pastry. Brilliant!
These are some really cool looking snacks. Nice party trick, they look amazing.
Ha, your joke reminds me of my “one” joke. “What did one snowman say to the other snowman?” Sniff, sniff (sniffing sound) – “Do you smell carrots?” Makes me giggle EVERY time:) Have a sweet day Joy!
These are the ultimate party snack. I could eat these all day long while sipping on a whiskey sour. Hope to see you on tour!
These look so sophisticated and yummy! I do love using puff pastry for party foods. I don’t think any of my friends have discovered it yet, because they always seem so impressed. So excited about your book! Congrats!
Here is a food joke to add to your Unique Rabbit arsenal:
What do you call cheese that’s not yours? Nacho Cheese.
And to add to the ‘7 ate 9’ joke:
What did the Zero say to the Number Eight? “Nice Belt” (think about it)
Love this blog!
cute joke :D
Yum! (said in a very high, singsong-y voice.)
Yum these look so easy and delicious–of course, I love anything covered in cheese! can’t wait to try them out!
Joy,
I’ve just pitched my tent outside the Third Place Book store in Lake Forest Park, WA in preparation for your arrival…………a month from now, for your book signing!!
that’s not weird at all.
Yummy, thanks for the recipe.
I am making these for my next party!! So pretty too.
YUM! Hope to see you at the LA signing!
x
These look great! and I’ll be there in Brooklyn ;)
I’ve got puff pastry sheets in the freezer and a party tomorrow! Perfect. Thanks, Joy!
Yum! I’m sure you’re not that awkward at parties… but I wouldn’t turn down a Joy the Baker cocktail!
Thank you! I recently made some “instant puff pastry” and have been thinking of all the savory ways that I can use it (I got the sweet ways covered). These cheese straws are perfect!! Can’t wait to see you on your book tour, Joy. Looking forward to both receiving my pre-ordered copy, and having you (one of my favorite bloggers) sign it!
Mmmm very interesting, I used to make my parmesan cheese straws mikixing the cheese in the dough, but yours is more like a filling, I need to try and soon! Thanks
Puff pastry is a party hosts’ savior. Looks so fancy, couldn’t be easier. These are gorgeous little cheese straw thingys :)
Puff pastry = godsend. Makes everything look so fancy pants!
They look tasty! So simple and so pretty:-) I think the cat might be a bit scared though… hehe
Ha, I like how making cheese straws pulls together a flawless outfit in the end. I’ll have to get on that!
Joy, bring your book tour to London and I will totally be there!
I cannot wait to try these.
Puff pastry rocks my socks off. Made cheese sticks similar to these over
the holidays but with rosemary – so good.
congrats on your book! I preordered mine and can’t wait to get my hands on it!:)
The cheese straws in the last picture look prettier than a bouquet of flowers. It probably smells just as nice too! These are GREAT for parties. Thank you for sharing.
Here’s a joke to add to your repertoire (it’s the only one I have too….) How do you make a tissue dance?…..You put a little boogie in it. (I live with three small boys….this is hilarious to them.)
Does it get any better than cheese straws?? These look delicious!
How did you know i needed a recipe for company coming over? I was sweating over it and i randomly came over here to drool ( as usual) and BOOM- a recipe. That is just freaky. You think i can score a date if i serve these? :)
i’m giving you one of my jokes. consider yourself incredibly lucky, this doesn’t happen often.
how many hipsters does it take to screw in a lightbulb?
it’s an obscure number you probably haven’t heard of it.
this joke KILLS … unless you have to explain to your mother-in-law what a “hipster” is in the middle of the joke. then the joke is killed.
I also hang out in the kitchen at parties! That’s because it’s where all the food and booze usually hangs out, duh. =)
Here’s my one joke, also appropriate for small children:
How do you get a tissue to dance? Put a little boogie in it!
I think that’s almost as bad as “A blind man walks into a bar. Ouch.” That one usually goes over pretty flatly, but after that ANYTHING sounds good.
Woah. I have puff pastry in my freezer and I’ve been waiting for the perfect recipe. Thanks!
A joke for you: Why is six afraid of seven? Because seven ate nine and ten. (I know you like it. Don’t try to deny it.)
Haha, the kitchen is exactly where I head at any party too, accompanied by my boyfriend who is usually sniffing out the cocktails :-) These cheese straws look wonderful and the perfect party trick.
Can’t wait for your book to come out in the UK – I have it on pre-order!
I think I’ll make these for dinner one night next week. Just these. I’ll surely die happy then. If my husband complains, he can just east cereal.
Need these in my liiiiiiiife!
Joy, those cheese straws look insanely good. I am catering my friends bachelorette party (15 beautiful ladies after an afternoon at the vineyards) and this was one item that was definitely on my menu. I love the herbs and park twisted into the bread though, fabulous! Have a great weekend!
Again, you come through for me! I am having some ladies over for brunch and now I know what to bake to go with the salad. Love it!!
I absolutely adore your cat, he’s hilarious! These straws look amazing! I’ve never worked with puff pastry before, but maybe it’s time I give it a try :D
I’ve always wanted to make these. Thanks for jogging my memory! I’ll see ya out on tour!
i love how puff pastry makes these all fancy – the layers is what it’s all about!
That is the best- the shot of your kitty starin’ down the goods! I don’t blame him- those cheese straws look incredible!
That was a wonderful post….congrats on your book , have a great book tour.
Yummy..probably your cat is thinking the same :). The photos are stunning.
i’m going to make these for game night!
if you need to, you can borrow my only joke to go with your unique bird one. here goes:
what’s invisible and smells like carrots?? bunny farts!! ok–it gets big laughs from 7 year olds. sorry. maybe tracy’s son, cooper, will like it. thanks for so many delicious and use-able recipes. we’ve made your soups many times this winter :)
Always trust cats: they perfectly know where good food is ;-)
Really fantastic grissini! it’s how we call them in Italy!! I love the match parmesan-herbs a LOT!! I tried some time ago and made the same with olive patรฉ and sesame seeds, yummy!! kisses from Italy
Yes! These look perfect! Love how easy AND cheesy they are. That’s awesome that you will be touring for you book! Congrats! Wish I was somewhere anywhere near one of those locals so I could pop in. . . .
I definitely am most comfortable in the kitchen! Small talk in big groups of people is so not my thing.
Thanks for sharing your party trick;) My two year old son LOVES cheese sticks:) I am going to be a popular girl over here.
Yay!
It’s not only the cat that covets, I could use a few of these myself. I know how easy they are to make but I rarely think of it. I’m going to make some tomorrow and surprise everyone. :)
I don’t know any party tricks either. sad.
Haha I love this post! The straws, the covetous kitty, and your party confessions. I’m exactly the same way–at parties people are all like, “Come onnnnn Aubrey, get out of the kitchen! It’s a party!” Little do they know I hide there on purpose! Mahahah.
These look awesome and I just happen to have 1 sheet of TJ’s Puff Pastry in the freezer! I need to get cheese though :)
And congrats, big time, on your book coming out in 2 weeks and that you’re going on tour…woo-hoo!
So very pretty. And so very yummy.
nice trick :). congratulations on your book release. On my next US visit definitely will look out for your book.
I’m equally ill at ease at parties/dinners, so I empathize. I have to go to a “game night” tomorrow that I am dreading a little, but perhaps these compelling cheese straws will take the edge off.
Congratulations on the book and book tour!
Beautiful cheese straws! I love them.
Also the word “nique” is kind of a bad word in slang Arabic, so it made that joke *really* funny/inappropriate.
I have the same joke, but with a rabbit. :) But there’s a second joke to go with it: How do you catch a tame rabbit? Tame way, you nique up on it… yeah, I’m bad at jokes, too. :)
The cheese straws look tasty!
I can’t wait to get a copy of your book in my grubby little hands! Just waiting for that Amazon email to say that it’s been dispatched :D
I’ve made similar straws before with paprika and gruyere – love the combination of spice and mellow cheese. Mine didn’t look anywhere near as pretty as yours though. Sad face.
So gorgeous. My theory on parties goes; if someone can have a drink in their hand within 45 seconds of arriving, the rest takes care of itself.