Have Our Zodiac Signs Changed? It’s Up to You.

Have Our Zodiac Signs Changed? It’s Up to You.

 

Don’t panic. If you’ve spent a lifetime identifying yourself as a Capricorn or Pisces, you can continue to do so – Thursday’s hoopla over new astrological signs spurred by a story in the Minneapolis Star Tribunesuggesting our signs may not really be what we think they are, is not really new. That’s because there are two versions of the zodiac – sidereal and tropical – the first practiced more in the east, and the latter more popular in the west. If you’re wondering about Ophiuchus, new astrological signs for 2011, a horoscope change or a revised arrangement of the zodiac charts, sleep well – according to CNN, your zodiac sign hasn’t changed. (Unless you want it to.)

All this talk of stars being in or out of alignment has reminded me of one of my favorite munchables: cheddar stars, which I’ll be making Friday night and nibbling with a glass of feisty red wine, enjoying the fact that I can still consider myself a Scorpio.
These could be made using an aged Gouda, Asiago or any firm, flavorful cheese. For a twist, try blitzing a teaspoon of chopped fresh rosemary into the dry ingredients in a food processor, in place of the cayenne.

Cheddar Stars
1 1/2 cups coarsely grated old or extra-old cheddar
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup butter, chilled and cut into chunks
1/4 tsp. salt
pinch cayenne pepper or paprika (sweet or smoked – optional)
2 Tbsp. milk
Put the cheddar, flour, butter, salt and cayenne into the bowl of a food processor and pulse until well combined and crumbly. (If you don’t have a food processor, grate the cheese and toss it with the dry ingredients, breaking it up as much as you can with a whisk, pastry cutter or fork.) Add the milk and pulse until it starts to come together. Remove the dough from the food processor and gather it into a ball. Cover with a tea towel and let rest for about 20 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out into an oval or rectangle about 1/8” thick and cut crosswise into stars or other small shapes. Transfer to an ungreased cookie sheet and if you like, twist them a few times for dramatic effect. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until pale golden on the edges.
Makes lots.

Photo credit: istockphoto/pamspix