Cheddar Cheese Straws
1 pound butter
8 cups flour
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 pounds sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
1 teaspoon salt
In an electric mixer, cream butter until light. Combine cayenne, salt and flour. Toss cheese in seasoned flour. Toss grated cheese with flour. Combine 2/3 flour with butter in the mixer. Remove from mixer and work in remaining flour, kneading into a ball. Divide dough into quarters. Roll one quarter out on floured board. Cut into strips about 3/4 inches wide and 5 inches long. Place on greased baking sheet and bake in a 400 degree oven until golden, about 6 minutes. Cool completely and store in air tight container at room temperature if not served immediately.
Roll the remaining dough into 3 logs about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap in plastic wrap and store in refrigerator; bake as needed. These logs may be slice 1/2 inch thick and baked plain or with a pecan half pressed into the middle.