Cheese Straws

½ cup butter or margarine, softened

½ cup vegetable shortening

8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese

8 ounces grated cheddar cheese

2 ½ cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Beat butter and shortening thoroughly.  Add very finely grated cheese and mix well.  Lightly spoon flour into measuring cups; level off; blend flour, salt, cayenne together; add in 3 additions; mix well after each addition.  Put mixture in cookie press and dispense into cookie sheet.  Bake about 10-15 minutes at 350° or until just starting to turn golden brown around edges.

Serves about 75 people.