sunshine cheese straws or wafers

Recipe by
Sasha Kamen
Dallas, TX

Cheese straws are traditional accompaniments at afternoon tea parties and receptions in the South. Add the optional cayenne pepper and they'll go great with beer and barbecue. I make them ahead of time and store in air-tight tins or freeze.

yield serving(s)
method Bake

Ingredients For sunshine cheese straws or wafers

  • 3 1/2 c
    all purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp
    salt
  • 3/4 tsp
    cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 3 stick
    butter
  • 16 oz
    sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

How To Make sunshine cheese straws or wafers

  • 1
    Sift flour, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using) into a large bowl.
  • 2
    Cut cold butter into small pieces and blend into dry ingredients with a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • 3
    Add cheese and blend with your fingers, or the dough hook of an electric mixer, until the dough hangs together and is no longer crumbly.
  • 4
    Working with 1/4 of the dough at a time, roll out to a rectangle about 1/3 of an inch thick. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut into strips 1/2-inch wide and about 5 inches long.
  • 5
    If you prefer a wafer shape, cut the dough with a small biscuit or cookie cutter that is about 1-1/2 inches in diameter.
  • 6
    Bake on an ungreased baking sheet at 375 F. for ten to 15 minutes until very lightly browned. Be careful not to overbake. (For a pretty effect, give the straws a half twist before baking.)
  • 7
    HINT: These will firm up as they cool. Carefully remove from the baking sheet with a spatula and let cool completely on a flat surface before storing.

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