My version of cheese straws

2 cups grated cheese sharp or extra sharp 

1 stick softened butter

1 1/2 cups plain flour

1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne depending in your heat tolerance

1/4 teaspoon pepper 

1 teaspoon corse salt 

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder 

1/2 cup chopped pecans

Can do this by hand or use a mixer.  Mixed together cheese and butter.  Mix dry ingredients together.  Add to cheese and butter mixture 1/2 cup at a time.   Pinch off dough and roll into balls.  The size of the balls is up to you.  Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.   Use a fork to press each ball down.   You can do a second time in the opposite direction if you'd like.  Dip the fork in flour or water to keep it from sticking to the dough.   Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes.  Let cool on a rack.

FYI...it's OK to add 1-2 Tablespoons of ice water if the dough is too dry.

You can also roll the dough up in wax paper to make a "log ", chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, slice and bake.

You can do this same recipe as jalapeño cheese straws.  Substitute Monterey Jack for cheddar and diced jalapeño for cayenne.   I used tamed jar jalapeño because I don't like too much heat. I stead of water I added the juice from the jalapeños, if needed. I omitted the pecans.