Southern Fun

Just for fun:

and for Foodie Friday

Today’s Lagniappe: Cheese Straws
A Southern classic

• 1 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 3 to 4 tablespoons water
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon paprika

Sift together the flour, salt, and dry mustard. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles meal.

Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of water over and stir with a fork until flour is moistened and forms a ball. Add more water, a small amount at a time, if necessary.

Turn dough out onto a floured surface; roll into a rectangle 1/4-inch thick. Sprinkle half of the dough surface with 1/3 cup of shredded cheese and 1 teaspoon paprika.

Fold plain half over the covered half and pinch edges to seal. Roll out to a rectangle again and sprinkle half with another 1/3 cup shredded cheese and 1 teaspoon paprika.

Repeat rolling and sprinkling one more time. Roll into a rectangle 1/4-inch thick and cut into 3-inch strips.

Place cheese straws on ungreased baking sheet and bake at 425° for 10 to 12 minutes, until puffed and golden brown.