Sunday, May 11, 2008

Cheese Straws




Cheese straws, sometimes called cheese sticks, or cheeselings make for a great anytime snack. I recall eating them when outside playing with friends, and at family gatherings. They can be served hot or at room temperature.



2 1/4 cups cheese, grated (room temperature)
1/2 cup butter or margarine (room temperature)
1 cup flour
1/4 tsp cheyenne pepper
1/4 tsp black pepper, ground




  • In a large bowl, combine all ingredients.
  • Knead until a soft and well blended dough is formed.
  • Using a rolling pin, roll dough out to about 1/4-inch thick, and cut into 1/2 by 3-inch rectangles.
  • Arrange straws 1-inch apart on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
  • Bake on 400°F/200°C for 15-20 minutes, or until golden.

OR

  • Pack the dough into a cookie press and use a small star-shaped or circle shaped disk. Hold at an angle and press, while dragging to form 3-inch straws.
  • Arrange straws 1-inch apart on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
  • Bake on 400°F/200°C for 15-20 minutes, or until golden.




Makes 40-60


Serves 6-8


© NomadicGourmet.com

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Indian Arrival Day




Although not an official holiday yet, today marks the 151st anniversary of the arrival of East Indians to Grenada. They came to work as indentured labourers after the emancipation of the African slaves. The first ship, named the Maidstone, departed from Calcutta on January 27, 1857 and arrived a few months later on May 1. In all; 3,206 East Indians arrived to Grenada by 1885. Only 380 of them returned to India. The Indians made many contributions to Grenada, with the most obvious being the foods-especially dalpuri and curry goat.
Indian Arrival Day was celebrated last year for the first time since the centenary celebration in 1957.





The following are external links that provide more information on this topic:

Info on the indenture ships

Abolition, Indentureship and Creoleness: Reflections on the Indo-Grenadian Predicament by Raymond D. Viechweg


© Kimberly Joseph