Today Brandy of Nutmeg Nanny and Brandi of Bran Appetit are hosting a surprise virtual baby shower for our friend Rachel of Rachel Cooks. Already the mother of a sweet little girl, Rachel is expecting a bouncing baby boy in just a few short weeks.

I met Rachel in 2011 thanks to Emeril Lagasse, as we were chosen along with a handfull of other food bloggers to promote the cookbook Sizziling Skillets And Other One Pot Wonders together.

I chose to bring Southern cheese straws to the party, and just like deviled eggs–every Southern cook wants to make great ones. My late great Aunt Gladys of Montgomery, Alabama made delicious cheese pats with pecans, but I like to stick to straws. They are the perfect snack for any party or gathering, and cayenne pepper gives these traditional snacks a real kick.

Congratulations Rachel!

Southern cheese Straws

Ingredients

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 cups self-rising flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 cup 1/2 lb shredded sharp Cheddar, at room temperature

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, at room temperature

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Sift together the flour, cayenne, and salt and set aside. Using an electric mixer, cream together the butter and cheese until blended. Add the flour mixture slowly, beating at low speed, then continue to beat for 5 minutes, until very creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl several times.

Using a cookie press with a star tip, make 3-inch-long cheese straws, leaving at least 1/2 inch between each on an ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to racks to cool.

Savory:

Kathryn from London Bakes ~ Mini Onion and Feta Pizzas
Kita from Pass the Sushi ~ Sweet Potato Soup with Maple Cream
Krista from Budget Gourmet Mom ~ Baby Blue Cheese Burgers
Mackenzie from Susie Freaking Homemaker ~ Cucumber Sandwiches
Marnely from Cooking with Books ~ Curried Salmon Phyllo Cups
Sarah from Sarah’s Cucina Bella – Apple Asiago Prosciutto Bites
Shelby from Diabetic Foodie ~ Cranberry Citrus Meatballs
Susan from 30A Eats ~ Southern Cheese Straws

Sweet:

Amanda from Fake Ginger ~ Snickerdoodle Scones
Barbara from Creative-Culinary ~ White Chocolate Quilted Cupcakes
Brandi from Bran Appetit ~ Bourbon Toffee Popcorn
Brandy from Nutmeg Nanny ~ S’mores Popcorn
Carrian from Oh Sweet Basil ~ Mini Blackberry Pies
Carrie from Bakeaholic Mama ~ Caramel Popcorn Pretzel Bars
Cassie from Bake Your Day ~ Caramel Cashew Popcorn Bars
Deborah from Taste and Tell ~ Blue Layered Jello
Donna from Cookistry ~ Walnut Streusel Coffee Cake
Erin from The Spiffy Cookie ~ Sweet Potato Pie Dip with Pie Crust Dippers
Heather from Farmgirl Gourmet ~ Dark Chocolate Cashew Brittle Cookies
Jennifer from Mother Thyme ~ Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Jessie from Bread & Butter ~ Primal Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Liz from The Lemon Bowl ~ Chewy Molasses Cookie Bars
Milisa from Miss in the Kitchen ~ White Chocolate Biscoff Muddy Buddies 
Sommer from A Spicy Perspective ~ Turtle Pumpkin Ice Cream Cake
Stephanie from Steph’s Bite By Bite ~ Baby Blueberry Pies
Tara from Chip Chip Hooray ~ Itty Bitty Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
Sheila from Eat 2 Gather ~ Chicken Salad