Cheese straws for kids

Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/Gas Mark 4 and line 2 baking trays with greaseproof paper.

Combine the flour and salt in a mixing bowl then get the kids to help rub in the butter with their fingers until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

Mix in 50g of the Cheddar. Using a dinner knife, stir in enough water to form a stiff dough. Wrap in clingfilm and chill for at least 15 minutes.

On a floured surface, help the kids roll out the pastry into a rectangle the thickness of a £1 coin. Brush with the beaten egg and sprinkle over 75g of the Cheddar.

Cut the pastry into 1cm strips along the length of the rectangle using sharp kitchen scissors (grown-ups only, or older kids with supervision). Place the strips onto the prepared baking sheets, either as rectangles, or twisting each 5 or 6 times first if desired.

Sprinkle the remaining Cheddar over the strips and bake for 15-20 minutes or until crisp and golden.