Easy Cheese Straws

(makes 24 cheese straws, 8 servings)

Adapted from Weight Watchers Dining with the Duchess, by Sarah, The Duchess of York and Weight Watchers (Simon & Schuster 1998)

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C, Gas Mark 6); spray a large nonstick baking sheet with butter-flavored cooking spray.
2. In a small bowl, mix the cheese, chili powder, and cumin. Place the sheets of phyllo on a work surface and cover them with a damp towel. Remove the first sheet and place it with a short side toward you. Coat with cooking spray, then sprinkle with about 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of the cheese mixture. Fold the phyllo in half to form a 12" X 8 1/2" (30 X 21.25 cm) rectangle. Spray the phyllo again and sprinkle with 2 teaspoons (10 ml) more of cheese mixture; fold in half again to form a 6" X 8 1/2" (15 X 21.25 cm) rectangle. Spray again and sprinkle with 2 more teaspoons (10 ml) of cheese mixture; fold in half again to form a 6" X 4 1/4" (15 X 10.5 cm) rectangle. Spray again and sprinkle with just a bit of the cheese mixture. With a serrated knife, cut into 8 short strips. Transfer the strips to the baking sheet, placing them about 1/2" (1.25 cm) apart. Repeat the process two more times to make 24 straws. Bake until the cheese straws are crisp and golden, 8 to 10 minutes. Cool on wire racks.