Modern Cheese Cakes and Cheese Straws

Ingredients

• 0.5 cup Whole Milk (Original recipe calls for 1 cup, adjusted for modern portions.)
• 0.5 cup Buttermilk (Original recipe calls for 1 cup, adjusted for modern portions.)
• 0.5 cup Granulated Sugar (Original recipe calls for 1 cup, adjusted for modern portions.)
• 2 Egg Yolks (Original recipe calls for 4 egg yolks, adjusted for modern portions.)
• 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (From about half a lemon.)
• 0.5 teaspoon Lemon Zest (From about half a lemon.)
• 0.25 cup Blanched Almonds (Chopped.)
• 0.25 teaspoon Salt
• 1 sheet Puff Pastry (For cheese straws.)
• 0.5 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese (Grated, for cheese straws.)
• 0.125 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (Pinch, for cheese straws.)

Instructions

1. 1In a saucepan, combine the whole milk and buttermilk. Heat over medium heat until it just begins to simmer (small bubbles form around the edges). Do not boil.
2. 2Strain the scalded milk mixture through a cheesecloth-lined sieve or colander to separate the curds from the whey.
3. 3In a bowl, combine the strained curds, sugar, egg yolks (slightly beaten), lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
4. 4Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line small patty pans or muffin tins with pastry (store-bought or homemade). Fill each with the cheese mixture and sprinkle with chopped almonds. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is firm to the touch and the pastry is golden brown.
5. 5Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to about 1/4 inch thickness. Sprinkle half of the pastry with grated cheddar cheese, salt, and cayenne pepper. Fold the pastry in half, press the edges firmly to seal, and fold again. Pat down gently and roll out again to 1/4 inch thickness. Repeat the cheese sprinkling and folding process one more time.
6. 6Cut the pastry into strips about 5 inches long and 1/4 inch wide. Place the strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
7. 7Let the cheese cakes and cheese straws cool slightly before serving. The cheese straws can be piled log cabin fashion for a decorative presentation.