DOROTHY'S CHEESE STRAWS

This recipe is from a famous Hoosier Cook, Dorothy Mengering aka David Letterman's mom.  Dorothy said she got this recipe from her good friend Anna.  This will make about 3 dozen straws.

2 cups all-purpose flour minus 2 tbsps
1 stick margarine
1 lb sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1/4 tsp Tabasco sauce
dash of salt

In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients.  Knead using hands or put into a food processor until well blended.  Pack the mixture into a cookie press with a star shaped tip.  Push the dough through the press in strips to make straws.  Straws should be pressed onto ungreased cookie sheet/sheets and be about 4-inches long.

Bake straws at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes.  Remove straws from oven and allow to cool. Lower oven temperature to 200 degrees.  Return to the oven and bake at 200 degrees for 30 minutes.

After straws are completely cooled they may be stored in a covered container.

Note:  Straws can be frozen for later use.