Classic Southern Cheese Wafers/Straws

This is a classic party dish. I've loved Cheese Straws my whole life. There's really few things better.

However, there are times such as my recent move when I can't find my Spritz Cookie Press. And my children are addicted to my Cheese Straws that I make every Christmas Baking Season. So, when there's no press, straws become wafers :) Same great taste. Different shape.

Granny Mae Wisdom--Just because you can doesn't mean you should.

You can also add pecans to the recipe (amount depends on your personal taste). I love the pecans in them, my children do not :)

For those who've never had them, they taste a like a savory, cheesy shortbread cookie.

Classic Southern Cheese Wafers/Straws

1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened

1 lb. shredded Cheddar cheese (hand shredded binds better than bagged shredded cheese)

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. ground red pepper (more if you want it spicier)

1/2 tsp. paprika

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup pecans (optional)

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2. In a heavy stand mixer, combine the first 5 ingredients on a medium speed until well blended.

3. Begin adding 1/1-1/2 cups of flour at a time to the mixture until all ingredients are well blended.

4. OPTIONAL. If adding pecans, do so on a low speed until they're mixed in.

5. Add mixture to a cookie press and use the star shaped disk to pipe them out into 2 inch straws on a pan lined with parchment paper. If you don't have a cookie press, shape the dough into logs and then slice the dough into cookie shapes.

6. Bake straws/cookies at 350° until they're lightly browned.

7. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.

8. Enjoy!