Cheesy Ghosts and Bats

Happy Halloween!

These cheese crackers (appropriately shaped as ghosts and bats for Halloween) are divine. They're made with a pastry-like dough so they melt in your mouth and are quite addictive. These are sure to be a hit with kids and adults. Although you can skip the cookie cutters if you like and just make them into cheese straws or rectangles for the adults.

Cheese Straws/Crackers

1 pound sharp cheddar cheese
1 3/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1/4 pound butter

Finely grate cheese; combine with other ingredients and beat until creamy, adding a few drops of water if neccessary to form a firm dough. Divide dough in half. Roll each section 1/4" thick. Cut into strips about 6" x 3/8". Twist. Place on ungreased cookie sheet; chill in freezer 15 minutes or longer to maintain shape. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes. Makes 5-6 dozen cheese straws.

*The food processor works great for this dough or you can blend my hand and then add a tablespoon of water. If you plan on using cookie cutters then roll dough into a disc and refrigerate for at least an hour before rolling and cutting out. My crackers were fairly thick so they took about 18 minutes to bake. Bake until slightly golden but not brown.