Cheese Straws

These are a "must have on hand" Southern Classic, one of the many "pick-ups."

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Yields: 100 straws

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 lb  imported parmesan cheese, very finely grated
• 1⁄2 lb sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1  cup butter, at room temp
• 3 1⁄2 cups flour
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1  teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Grease 3 baking sheets.
3. Beat the cheeses and butter together until VERY smooth-no chunks.
4. Mix in flour, salt and cayenne.
5. Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thick on a floured board.
6. Color should be uniform.
7. With a sharp knife or pastry wheel cut dough into 3/4 inch wide and 3 1/2 inch long strips.
8. Place on cookie sheet, not touching.
9. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.
10. Watch carefully, you dont want them to brown.
11. Remove and cool on a rack.
12. Store in a tightly covered container for 1 week at room temp or 3 months in the freezer (any longer and they taste stale).