Cheese Straws

Cheese Straws 1/2 pound of sharp cheese, grated Scant 1/2 pound of butter ( 2 sticks, cut off 1 inch), softened 2 cups of flour Cayenne pepper 1 egg, beaten Grate cheese at room temperature, add softened butter and mix well. Then add 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Add flour and work into a ball. Roll out on pastry cloth. Add flour as you work it. Roll thin. Cut into diamond shapes or strips with a sharp knife or pastry cutter. Put on ungreased cookie sheet. Brush tops with beaten whole egg. Sprinkle with a little salt and cayenne, if desired. also nuts may be added if you like. Half the flour can be whole wheat or cornmeal. Bake for 15 minutes at 350ºF.  or just until they begin to turn brown.