In most southern U.S. homes, especially during the holidays, you will undoubtedly encounter a tin of deliciously spicy and cheesy straws. With the crunch of a cookie, these savory little flavor cookies have been tradition on most southern tables for over 100 years. Each southern household, region and even state prides themselves on their variation on this wonderfully cheesy theme snack.

Wedding receptions may offer tiny tins of these delectable goodies or a platter will greet you aside the chips and dips of a Thanksgiving ball game or with snacks set out for canasta, bridge or poker night! Enjoy playing with these variations on a tried and true original. Remember to watch the consistency of your dough as humiditiy DEFINITELY effects these cookies.

CHEESE STRAWS 101

1 lb sharp cheddar cheese, grated
8 oz Parmesan-Reggiano cheese, finely grated
2 1/2 cups plain flour
3/4 cup butter or margarine
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper or cayenne
1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon paprika

Directions: Cream butter and cheeses.
Add flour, salt, pepper, paprika and worcestershire.
Dough will be stiff.
Shape using a star-shaped pastry tip or cookie press. Draw out into individual 1-inch little strips.
Bake one inch apart at 350 until slightly browned, approximately 15 minutes.
Once completely cooled, store tightly wrapped or enclosed in a ziploc bag and then, in a dark, dry, cool place.

Some ideas for serving cheese straws:

Serve on a dish beside a bowl of tomato soup and half a cheddar grilled cheese sandwich.

Serve as an edible dipping tool for guacamole dip; french onion dip or warm artichoke/spinach dips!

Tie several cheese straws together with a green onion leaf and present inside a beautiful tin along with a packet of your own BBQ rub as a welcome gift for new neighbors or work colleagues. The cheese straws are a great background flavor for testing hot, sweet and savory spices!

Serve a dish of your cheese straws with slices of tomato, apple and cheeses with chilled wine for a spicy twist on a simple appetizer.

Cheese straws add wonderful crunch when crumbled over a salad or crumbled inside a wrap or sandwich! Enjoy this spicy, versatile little cheese powerhouses!!