Crunchy, light, crispy, savory these cheese straws are a traditional nibble at a cocktail party.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a food processor combine cheese, flour, butter, salt, baking powder and cayenne pepper. Pulse until the mixture resembles wet sand. About 15-20 seconds.
Add ice water one tablespoon at a time and pulse until mixture clumps together. You might need more or less water depending on the air outside (humid or dry, cold or hot). Dump the dough onto a floured work surface. Knead the dough until it comes together and forms a ball. Roll the dough out using a rolling pin into a 10" square, about 1/4" thick. This does not have to be exact!
Drag a fork across the entire surface to form decorative lines.
Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife cut the square of dough in half (perpendicular to the lines). Then cut the dough into strips in the direction of the lines. Place the strips of dough onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes or until golden and crisp.
Let straws cool completely then serve. These may be stored in an air tight container at room temperature for up to a week.