Cheese Straws

2 oz margarine
2 ounces lard
8 oz plain flour
4 oz strong cheddar cheese, grated
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
pinch of cayenne pepper
1 egg, separated
water to mix

Rub fats into flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the cheese, garlic powder, salt and cayenne. Add the egg yolk and mix in enough cold water to form a dough. Roll out to about 1/4" thick, and cut into “straws” about three inches long and half an inch wide. Place on greased baking trays and brush with egg white. Bake at Gas 7 / 220C / 425F for about 8 to 10 minutes until golden. Leave on tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

At Christmas I cut these into holly leaves for a festive nibble :-)