I had a strange hankering for good ol' cheese straws tonight. That crunchy, cheesy, salty hit. Also it's my turn for the office morning tea so I'm serving these plus a date loaf.

2 cups all-purpose flour (I used spelt and white)

2 cups grated cheese

3/4 cup butter or butter substitute (about 180g)

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup water

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C). Grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine the flour, baking powder, cayenne pepper, salt, grated cheese and butter or margarine in a bowl and mix until well combined. Add water a little bit at a time to make a very stiff dough.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll pieces of the dough into just slightly thicker than pencil shaped sticks. Cut sticks into 4 to 5 inch lengths. I also made wreaths to put the straws in. Arrange the pieces on the baking sheet.
4. Bake at 400 degrees F (205 degrees C) for 15-20 minutes or until browned.