Cheese Straws

Tip: Read directions completely before preparing.

Ingredients:
2 sticks of butter, softened
2 cups of grated white cheddar cheese
2 cups of flour
1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon of salt
2 teaspoons of half and half

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350.  Mix the cheese and butter together. Add the flour, cayenne, salt, and half and half and stir until it becomes a ball.

Roll out the dough into a rectangle that is 1/4 inch thick, and using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 1"x5" strips.  Poke holes in the top of each cheese straw with a fork.

Bake on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet for fifteen minutes, or until edges are light brown. Cool and then serve.  Enjoy!

Servings: 3 dozen

Tip:  Cheese Straws are usually served before a meal, though they are also delicious with soups, salads, wine, cheese and I have even been known to dip cheese straws into a bowl of queso.  Cheese straws can be formed up to two weeks ahead.  Freeze on baking sheets until solid, then transfer into sealable plastic bags and keep frozen until ready to bake!