Cheese Straw Boxes

I wanted to make a little "happy" for our elementary school's office appreciation week.  So, I made cheese straws and put them in pastel take-out boxes (from Michael's Arts & Crafts).  I attached a thank you note that my child signed.  They appreciated the snack!

Cheese Straw Recipe
from roommomextraordinaire.blogspot.com

Ingredients:
1 1/2 sticks butter
1/2 cup shortening
4 cups finely grated sharp cheddar cheese
2 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
paprika

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Cream butter and shortening in mixer until soft.  Add cheese and mix well.  Sift together flour, salt, mustard, & cayenne pepper.  Add in three additions, mixing well after each addition.  Spoon mixture into cookie press.  Use handle of wooden spoon to press down completely.

Using single star disc, press out cheese straws into long rows.  Use a knife to cut into individual straws and place on cookie sheet.

Bake 10-12 minutes at 350 degrees or just until edges start to turn golden brown.  Let cool 2 minutes on cookie sheet.

Use spatula to carefully transfer to wire cooling racks.  Sprinkle with paprika.

Makes approx. 100 cheese straws