Cheese Straws

Got a cookie press or a pastry bag? Here’s a different use for these household gadgets. Make cheese straws for appetizers next time you entertain.

8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1/2 cup (8 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2-3 teaspoons caraway seeds (optional)

Remove butter from refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature.
Meanwhile finely grate the cheddar cheese. Combine cheese and butter in a food processor and pulse until evenly mixed. Add flour, salt, cayenne and caraway seeds. Process until a crumbly dough forms. If the dough seems dry, add water a teaspoon at a time.

Fit your cookie press or pastry bag with a large star tip and fill the barrel with the cheese dough. Pipe the dough into long strips about 2 inches apart on a shiny ungreased cookie sheet. Cut strips to about 3 inches. Bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees. Remove from oven and
sprinkle with salt if desired. Allow to cook completely before transferring to a serving dish.