An American favorite to share during reunions or just with friends...

Romanian Salted Cheese Sticks (Sărăţele)

INGREDIENTS

1. 350 g (600 ml / 2 1/4 cups) flour
2. 250 g (250 ml / 1 cup) mild, sharp or extra sharp cheddar (to taste)
3. 150 g (150 ml) softened butter at room temperature or margarine
4. 100 g (100 ml) 14% sour cream
5. 1 beaten egg for the composition
6. 1 beaten egg for brushing
7. 1 C. tablespoons caraway seeds (or sesame or poppy seeds) to taste for the composition
8. 1 C. tablespoons caraway seeds (or sesame or poppy seeds) to taste for garnish
9. salt to taste

PREPARATION

1. With the rack in the middle position, preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C)
2. In a large bowl, mix well with a blender the cheese, butter (or margarine), sour cream, beaten egg for the composition and the seeds for the composition, until a homogeneous composition.
3. Continually mixing, sprinkle in the flour, until completely and homogeneously incorporated.
4. Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough on it using a rolling pin, to a thickness of about 1 inch (2-3 cm).
5. Using a pizza slicer or a sharp knife, cut the dough into sticks about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide and inch (10 cm) long.
6. Line a cookie tray with parchment paper and place the sticks on it. Brush the sticks with the beaten egg and sprinkle them with the seeds for decoration.
7. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the sticks are golden brown. Let cool and serve.