Cheese Straws

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter at room temperature
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese at room temperature
1 Tbsp. baking powder

3/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

2 cups (10 ounces) all-purpose flour

Preheat oven to 350°F.  With an electric mixer, cream butter and cheese until well blended. Add baking powder, salt, and cayenne pepper. Beat on medium speed until well blended. Add flour; beat on medium speed for 5 minutes until very creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl several times.  Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a 1M large star tip.  Pipe 3-inch long cheese straws onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave at least 1/2-inch space between cheese straws. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes or until golden brown.  Remove from the oven and transfer the cheese straws to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.  Makes 12 dozen.  

A delicious Southern tradition for parties and showers.