Paula Deen's Zesty Cheese Straws

katie in the UP's Note:

I like everything Paula makes!

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 5 dozen

• ½ cup butter
• 1 lb sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground red pepper
• 2 -3 teaspoons dried herbs (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
2. Make sure cheese and butter are room temperature.
3. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter until light and fluffy.
4. Add the cheese and mix until blended.
5. Add the flour, salt and red pepper (I used 1/2 tsp) this is when you would add dried herbs if using, mix to form a dough.
6. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up the dough, then place it in a cookie press, fitted with a ridged tip.
7. Pipe the dough in 2 inch strips onto a lightly greased cookie sheet.
8. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
9. Remove to racks to cool.
10. **Updated**.
11. I've discovered these are very tastey using dried herbs also.
12. I've made them with dill but can see me making them with thyme and sage before too long.

Reviews

[greeneggs]

my christmas crowd was split 50/50 on these some loved them and some really didnt like them. they were very easy to make, I used my cookie press and didnt need to chill the dough before and. I prob wont make them again, I had a lot leftover after our party.

[Jellyqueen]

I have made this recipe several times, and just realized that I have never rated it. Great recipe. I make it exactly as directed, except, I use the star plate, which makes more of a straw, and therefore have to adjust the cook time a little. Otherwise, recipe is made exactly as listed. Thanks for posting.

[Saturn]

I LOVED these! I did find that I didn't need to chill the dough. When I did chill it, it wouldn't come out of my cookie press. I simply worked it around a bit more and it came out just fine. After I had pressed out a bunch of "straws" I decided to spice it up even more! I ended up adding what was probably about a tablespoon of cayenne to an amount equal to the size of a grapefruit. They are super spicy and perfect for the spice lovers in the house. I enjoyed making this recipe as well. It went together easily. I ended up using black pepper as I couldn't wait until I could find some red pepper. I am on the look out for next time though! Thanks for this great treat.