SLICE-AND-BAKE CHEESE STRAWS

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1 pound grated sharp Cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Combine butter and cheese in food processor.

Sift together flour, baking powder, salt and cayenne and add to food processor bowl. Pulse until dough forms a ball. Turn out onto waxed paper and roll into small logs. (I make several small ones for ease of handling.) Wrap each log in waxed paper and twist the ends to keep airtight. Refrigerate until firm enough to slice.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or nonstick baking mats, or use nonstick sheets.

Cut dough into 1/4-inch slices and place 1/2-inch apart on prepared cookie sheets. Bake 12 to 15 minutes, until lightly browned. Cool completely before placing into airtight tins.

TO FREEZE:
Cheese straws may be placed into resealable plastic freezer bags and frozen in tins. To reheat, place frozen cheese straws in a 300-degree oven for 5 minutes.

Makes 8 dozen cheese straws
Source: Paula Deen and Friends: Living It Up, Southern Style by Paula Deen