Cheese straws are an old treat. These long, thin tidbits are often served at adult party's but children like the gentle bite of them as well. This recipe is easy and timeless.

CHEESE STRAWS

Ingredients

1 cup sifted all-purpost flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1/3 cup butter or margarine, must be cold
1 cup grated sharp cheese
1-1/2 teaspoon water
1 teaspoon celery seed

Directions

Sift the first 4 ingredients together into a medium sized mixing bowl. Add cold butter or margarine and 1/2 cup of grated cheese, cut these into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Add water and toss lightly. Shape mixture a ball, then roll until mixture is 1/8 inch think. Sprinkle surface with 1/4 cup of the grated cheese, fold this mixture, repeat process of rolling it out once more until it is again 1/8 inch thick.

Cut flat dough into 4 x 1/2 strips. Give strips one full twist and press on an ungreased cookie sheet. Sprinkle tops with celery seed. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes on ungreased cookie sheets in 350(F) degree preheated oven. Allow to cool before serving. The flavor is best when these cheese straws are allowed to come to room temperature.

Makes 5 to 6 dozen cheese straws.

Store in a tightly closed tin or jar.

Cheese straws are good as an appetizer, put on a tray with carrot and celery sticks. The addition of sweet pepper strips makes a delicious start to dinner. Or place in short containers and put on the table when having friends in for dinner. Although these little treats are good when dipped in any savory dip. If you are concerned about double dipping, I suggest moving them away from any dips. If you want dipping for enjoyment place the cheese straw and dip near small paper plates. Or place all three items on the same tray, hopefully,this will give permission and instruction you having to say anything.

Hint: Why not put a dozen of these tasty tidbits in a pretty jar with a cover or covered tin and share with a friend. Also, this would make a nice hostess gift, nothing fancy, just something to show your appreciation.