Paula Dean and Friends: Living It Up Southern Style

The Paula Deen cookbook now available at The Merry Martini! One of my favorite food network stars Paula Deen has compiled some fantastic recipes for entertaining. Paula Deen's recipes are simple and easy to follow, but always packed full of flavor.

Slice-and- Bake Cheese Straws

1 stick of butter (Paula's favorite ingredient)

1 lb of grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese

1 1/2 cup cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Combine butter and cheese in food processor

Sift together remaining ingredients add to food processor

Pulse until dough forms a ball

Roll into logs (2 or 3) on wax paper

Wrap around log and twist at the ends

Refridgerate until firm enough to slice

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease cookie sheet.

Cut dough into 1/4 inch slices. Cook immediately for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Dough may also be placed in freezer bag and baked at a later date.

These cheese slices maek a delicious appetizer or savory snack!