Poppy & Sesame Seed Straws

Directions

Preheat oven to 400℉ (200℃).

Lightly coat 2 baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray or line with parchment paper.

Heat a small heavy skillet over medium heat.

Add the poppy and sesame seeds and cook, stirring until they are aromatic and toasted, 2 to 3 minutes.

Turn out onto a plate to cool.

In a small bowl, whisk together egg white, oil and salt.

Lay a sheet of phyllo on a work surface with a short side toward you.

With a pastry brush, lightly coat the lower half of the sheet with the egg-white mixture and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon seeds. Fold the upper half over to cover the lower half.

Brush the right half of the folded sheet with egg-white mixture, sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon seeds and fold the left half over the seeds.

Brush the bottom half of the folded sheet with the egg-white mixture, sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon seeds and fold the upper half over.

Finally, brush the top with the egg-white mixture and sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon seeds. Cut into 10 short strips using a knife or serrated pastry cutter.

With a wide spatula, transfer the strips to the baking sheet, placing them about ½ inch apart.

Repeat the procedure with the remaining 5 sheets of phyllo, egg-white mixture and seeds.

Bake the straws for 8 to 10 minutes, until golden and crisp.

Transfer to a rack to cool.

The straws may be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 week or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Makes about 5 dozen straws.