Super Cheese Straws - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/4 c. butter or margarine, softened
1/2 c. vegetable shortening
2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. dry mustard
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
4 c. finely chopped grated sharp Cheddar cheese or New York extra sharp

Preparation

With electric mixer at medium to high speed, cream butter and shortening until soft.
Add cheese; mix well.
Sift flour, salt, mustard and cayenne pepper together.
Add in 3 additions.
Mix well after each addition.
Pipe cheese mixture on a cookie sheet; bake 10 to 12 minutes at 350\u00b0 or until just starting to turn golden brown at edges.
Carefully transfer cheese straws to a wire rack for cooling as they are very crisp and break easily. Sprinkle with paprika, if desired.
Makes 8 to 9 dozen.