Week 12: Cheese

This week our challenge is cheese.  For the first time in several weeks, I decided I really wanted to try to make something at least slightly photogenic.  For that reason (and also because I have helpful, artistically minded family visiting) I have 2 dishes to submit.

First, I made the Parmesan cheese straws from the American Test Kitchen cookbook. They are essentially just puffed pastry sheets sprinkled with cheese, salt, and pepper, and twisted into twisty logs.  We weren't at all crazy about them, they basically just taste like puffed pastry.  They did look pretty though, so mission accomplished?

Part 2 was our family Sunday dinner.  With the help of my aunts, I made a spring vegetable and cheese dip.  It's made with white cheddar, goat cheese, asparagus, leeks, and artichoke hearts.  And mint, lots and lots of mint.  We served it with crusty bread, and though it was definitely unusual, it got good reviews.  We thought it was even better warmed up the next day with crackers.