Cheese Straws

Cheese Straws
From: swampbear

A southern delicacy. As I understand it, no southern marriage is legal unless cheese straws are served at the reception.

2 cups of all purpose flour
One-half teaspoon of salt
2 cups of grated extra sharp cheddar cheese (that's one 8 ounce package of cheese)
Cayenne pepper to taste
1 stick and two tablespoons of butter or (if you must) margarine, softened

Cream cheese and margarine together. I prefer my hands but a mixer will do. Combine the flour, pepper and salt and add to the cheese mixture a little at a time, mixing with your hands until you get a smooth consistency. Place mixture in a cookie press and use the star or bar press to push out into one to one and a half inch strips. Bake at 300 degrees until firm and the straws begin to brown, usually 12 to 15 minutes depending on the oven. Watch closely.