The Winter is the time of the year when we are most likely to plan indoor parties with friends and family. No matter if it is a Christmas, New Year’s or even some birthday party, we all love to prepare some fun bite-size foods to enjoy. That is why I think that my cocktail swirl sticks are perfect for any type of the party. They are fun and colorful, and everyone seems to enjoy them very much, especially kids. You can serve them with some dipping sauce, or next to a cheese platter. Trust me, these are going to be the stars of the night.
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Different colors and tastes for more fun!
I’ve started making these years ago, whenever I would call my friends over. Even though there would be other food, swirl sticks are the ones that get eaten first. They are really fun looking, and the taste is incredibly delicious! They are so soft and fluffy, and you can customize the flavor any way you want with different seeds or seasoning.
To make them even more fun, sometimes I use different colored seeds on each side. For example poppy or Nigella (black seeds) vs. sesame seeds. And if you want an example of the seasoning, sometimes I use dried oregano on one side and smoked or sweet paprika (depends on what you like) on the other. The green and red are complementary colors, and these look and taste really nice. Give them a try, and don’t be afraid to use some other spices and seeds.
I always use fresh farmer’s cheese curds to make the dough, but you can use any type of fresh curd cheese that you want. I believe that ricotta is a great substitute for the farmer’s cheese, and you are welcome to try other types of fresh cheese if you want.
I would really love to hear your opinions in the comments below! What types of cheese and seeds/spices did you use to make your cocktail swirl sticks? Leave me a comment and I would gladly give you a feedback.
Swirl Sticks – Step-by-Step Guide
The process of making swirl sticks might seem a bit intimidating and complicated, but believe me, once you make them you will see how easy they are to make. I’ve decided to give you a step-by-step guide with images, so you don’t get lost in the text. If you have any difficulties understanding the process, leave the comment below and I will get back to you with a more thorough explanation.
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To make the dough combine flour, cheese, softened butter, baking powder and salt in a mixing bowl. Knead until you get a smooth and soft dough. Put the dough into a zip-lock bag and let it rest in the fridge for 2 hours. This will make it much easier to roll and shape. After the dough is chilled and rested, it is time to make our swirl sticks.
First, divide the dough ball into four even parts. This way you won’t have too much dough to handle at the time. Take one part and leave the rest in the fridge again, as it is going to get sticky if you leave it at room temperature.
Cover the working board with parchment paper (this is important for easier rolling and turning the dough), and place the dough in the middle. Roll it with a rolling pin to get a long rectangle. With the help of parchment paper, you can fold the edges back in, to get them straight. Keep rolling until you get your dough around 5 mm (¼ inch) thick, and your edges as straight as possible.
Slightly beat an egg, and coat your dough with an egg-wash. Sprinkle with some seeds all over (I like using poppy seeds and sesame seeds). Cover with another piece of parchment paper and turn it over.
Repeat the egg-wash and seed sprinkles on the other side. Use the pizza cutter or very sharp knife to cut the dough into about 20 stripes. Hold each stripe at the ends and swirl them in opposite directions, before placing them on the baking sheet.
Bake in a preheated oven (200°C or 400°F) for about 10-12 minutes, until golden. Let them cool down completely before serving.
Now all you have to do is to repeat the process with the rest of the dough. It takes me about 5-6 minutes to complete this process for every piece of the dough. That is enough time for making them and getting the previous batch out of the oven, and not getting them over-baked.
Anchy
Yields 40 swirl sticks
Colorful and delicious swirl party sticks made out of flour, butter and fresh cheese. You can customize the flavors any way you like using different toppings and seasonings.
2 hrPrep Time
10 minCook Time
2 hr, 10 Total Time
Save Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 sticks (240 g) butter, softened
- 9 oz (250 g) farmer's cheese, ricotta or some other soft fresh cheese
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour (+ more if needed)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 egg
- different seeds for sprinkling (Optional)
Directions
- Combine softened butter, farmer's cheese, flour, baking powder and sea salt in the mixing bowl, and knead until you get a smooth and soft dough.
- Put the dough into a zip-lock bag, and let it rest in the fridge for 2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F), and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Take the dough out of the fridge and divide it into 4 equal parts. Work with one part at the time, and leave the rest in the fridge.
- Cover the working board with parchment paper (this is important for easier rolling and turning of the dough), and place the dough in the middle. Roll it with a rolling-pin to get a long rectangle. With the help of parchment paper, you can fold the edges back in, to get them straight. Keep rolling until you get your dough 5 mm (¼ inch) thick, and your edges as straight as possible.
- Slightly beat an egg, and coat your dough with an egg-wash. Sprinkle with some seeds all over (I like using poppy seeds and sesame seeds, but you can use anything you want. You can even use different types of seasoning blends). Cover with another piece of parchment paper and turn it over. Repeat the egg-wash and seed sprinkles on the other side.
- Using a pizza cutter or very sharp knife, cut the dough into about 20 stripes. Hold each stripe at the ends and swirl them in opposite directions.
- Place your swirls on a baking sheet and bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until golden.
- Repeat the process with the rest of the dough.
- Let your swirl sticks cool down completely before serving.
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Did you enjoy this post? I would like to hear what you think in the comments below. If you make it don’t forget to post it on Instagram and tag me @simply.anchy or use hashtag #gimmetheyum, because I love to see all of your kitchen creations. Also be sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook, so that you never miss any of my recipes and posts.
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