Gamma Nell's Cheese Straws

Happy New Year everyone!! I am late getting this up but better late than never!! These are a family favorite and are famous in my Mom's home town cuz she always takes them to funerals (known there as the Funeral Cheese Straws). I use them as Christmas gifts and folks typically get mad if I don't make them every year.

These are easy - only three ingredients:
2 boxes Betty Crocker Pie crust mix
1 16oz. block sharp cheddar cheese
1 tsp. cayenne pepper



Grate the cheese while it is still cold, then let it sit out until it comes to room temperature - it mixes so much better when not cold.



Place all ingredients in a mixer - I use the triangular shaped attachment (don't know what it is technically called). Start on slow to mix everything and then gradually increase the speed and mix on high for several minutes - this will soften the dough and "fluff" it a bit.



I use one of the old Mirro cookie presses with the star die. This is a thick dough so some of the newer styles aren't tough enough for the job. Squirt the dough out onto a cookie sheet and then cut each line into 2-3 inch bars. (I am now realizing what a horrid picture this is of me!!!)



Bake at 350 for about 11 minutes, let cool. Pour a glass of wine and enjoy!!!