I'd like you to meet Ella Rose...

Ella Rose is a Southern Belle.  She loves sweet tea on the porch on summer afternoons.  And is particularly fond of cheese straws.  In fact, I'm told that she is always asked to bring her cheese straws to parties.  

Ella Rose

While enjoying sweet tea and cheese straws on the porch earlier in the summer, Ella Rose was very generous and offered to share her cheese straw recipe here on the mouse blog.  She told me the recipe has been in her family for many generations.  

Ella Rose's Cheese Straws 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Mix together 1 stick of room temperature butter, 2 cups of shredded extra sharp orange Cheddar Cheese (also room temperature), 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (using food processor will make this easier), until a smooth dough is formed.  (Ella Rose says it is really really important to have the ingredients at room temperature)

If you own a cookie press, attach a star tip or a flatter ridge tip, and pipe the dough in 3 inch strips onto a lightly greased cookie sheet (or use parchment paper).

If you don't have a cookie press, chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.  Roll chilled dough on a lightly floured surface till about 1/4 inch thick.  Cut into 1/2" x 3" rectangles with a sharp knife. 

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned.  Remove to racks to cool.

Thanks for stopping by.  If you try Ella Rose's recipe, be sure to let me know.  And I'll be sure to tell Ella Rose.  

susan
www.baseboardmice.com
www.susangarriques.com