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The house smelled wonderful as we were greeted by Ruth's children, Paige and Alex, at the front door…we weren't sure what the aroma was, but it could only be good.  The ladies headed off to the kitchen to take a peek and the men headed straight for the appetizers. Being in North Carolina they knew they were in for some good southern cooking and they were not disappointed.    Ruth had prepared a couple of choices for the hungry crew.  There were Southern Cheese Straws and Bacon and Cheddar Triangles.

While we were nibbling, Alex, Ruth's son, wandered into the room carrying his toy elephant, "Lovey."  He informed everyone that the proper term for elephant was  "Pachyderm," grabbed a cheese straw, and sped out of the room while being chased by Beaufort the Boykin Spaniel.  Just then, Ruth announced, "Soup's on." and we headed off to the dining room.

Southern Cheese Straws

2 cups self rising flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper (optional)
2 sticks butter, at room temperature
2 cups shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese, at room temperature

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
Sift flour, salt and cayenne into a bowl.; set aside
Cream butter and cheese together with an electric hand mixer.
Add the flour mixture 1/2 cup at a time until the batter is smooth.
Put mixture into a large plastic bag (or pastry bag)
Cut corner from the plastic bag to make a pastry bag
On an ungreased cookie sheet, pipe a 5 inch long strip
Bake for 10 - 15 minutes or until lightly browned.  
Remove to racks to cool.

Makes 5 dozen

Bacon and Cheddar Triangles

1 loaf thin white bread, crusts removed
1/2 pound Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 (2 ounce) package slivered almonds, sautéed in 1 TBSP butter
1 cup mayonnaise
2 TBSP Worcestershire sauce
Minced onion, to taste

Combine cheese, bacon, almonds, mayo, Worcestershire sauce and onion.
Spoon onto bread slices.  Cut bread into quarters, making triangles.
Bake at 400 degrees F for 5 minutes.
Serve hot.
garnish with orange marmalade, peach preserves or strawberry preserves.

Makes 30 triangles

Click Here for Day 3 - Soup - at Ruth's House