Cheese Straws

• 1  cup  (2 sticks) butter, at room temperature
• 2  cup  1/2 lb. shredded sharp Cheddar, at room temperature
• 2  cup  self-rising flour
• 1/4  teaspoon  salt
• 1/4  teaspoon  cayenne pepper

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Sift together the flour, cayenne, and salt and set aside. Using an electric mixer, cream together the butter and cheese until blended. Add the flour mixture slowly, beating at low speed, then continue to beat for 5 minutes, until very creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl several times.

Using a cookie press with a star tip, make 3-inch-long cheese straws, leaving at least 1/2 inch between each on an ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to racks to cool.

Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
Ease of Preparation: Easy
Yield: 5 dozen

Recipe courtesy Paula Deen