I did it! I did it!

[japple]

Every year at Christmas, my mother made cheese straws. They were crispy and beautifully shaped. After Mom died, I tried making them every year, and though they usually tasted okay, they weren't like Mom's. This year, my first attempt was an abysmal failure and I nearly burned out the motor on my mixer trying to get the dough thoroughly mixed. Then, the dough was so stiff I couldn't get it to pipe through my cookie press, so I used a disc with a larger hole and the cheese straws looked like little door mats. They also rose up too high, even though there is no baking powder or soda in the dough--kind of like biscuit. I took them to work and they got eaten. Today, I borrowed a big Kitchen Aid mixer and made a second batch and they came out great! The dough got thoroughly mixed and I also baked them at 350 instead of 300. It was also a warmer day than the 1st time I made them, and I think that made the difference--the cheese and butter were actually pretty well softened.

[Lucinda]

1. Congratulations! They look really good.

Recipe? Pretty please? :P

[hippywife]

2. Yaaaaaaaa!

I'm so excited for you, j. A family tradition is a terrible thing to lose. Congratulations, they look great! :hug:

So, are you thinking about springing for a KitchenAid? LOL

[yellerpup]

3. Oh, yum!

Shove over and gimme some! They look perfect!

[Tesha]

4. Your Mom would be proud...

They DO look beauiful! Can you share the recipe with us?

[Phentex]

5. Odd, I was just thinking about cheese straws...

Had some at the party the other day - store bought variety - and they were good. I buy them, too, and I like to try different kinds. I've made the little cayenne pepper coins which are kinda like straws and have found the dough to be sensitive. I always think it's more work than I'd like. But when they come out great, it's a wonderful feeling (but I eat too many!)

Yours look fantastic! Enjoy.