schelley's cheese straws
You can't go wrong with cheese straws. They are a tasty snack and make a great gift in a nice Christmas tin. If you don't have a heavy-duty stand mixer, you can use a handheld mixer. Just divide the ingredients in half and work with two batches.
Blue Ribbon Recipe
Cheese straws are a very easy-to-make appetizer with a robust cheddar cheese flavor. Make sure to grate a block of sharp cheddar cheese and not buy pre-shredded cheese. Since cheese is the primary ingredient, it will make a difference in this recipe and change its crisp texture. Seasoned just right, there's a hint of cayenne flavor, but in no way are these spicy. Depending on how long you make them, this recipe makes a lot of cheese straws. A great gift during the holidays or a good holiday party appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups butter, softened
- 1 pound sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 - 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
How To Make schelley's cheese straws
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Step 1Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Beat the softened butter, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, cayenne pepper, and paprika at medium speed with a heavy-duty stand mixer until blended. -
Step 2Gradually add flour.
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Step 3Beat until just combined.
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Step 4Use a cookie press with a star-shaped disk to shape the mixture into long ribbons, following the manufacturer's instructions, on parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Cut ribbons into 2-inch pieces.
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Step 5Bake at 350 degrees F for 12 minutes or until lightly browned.
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Step 6Remove to wire racks to cool.
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Step 7Instead of cheese straws, these can also be made into cheese wafers. Combine ingredients as directed; chill dough 2 hours. Shape dough into 4 (8-inch-long) logs; wrap each in plastic wrap and chill 8 hours. Cut each log into 1/4-inch-thick slices; place on parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees F for 13 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool. Store in an airtight container for 1 week.
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