Southern Secret Revealed! And, It's "The Last Straw"
Folks across America are getting the chance to discover what we've known in
Raleigh since the 1850's. Ginny O's "The Last Straw" cheese rings are the best
example of what has to be the South's most addictive party staple...cheese straws.
Ginny O's is owned and operated by Ginny Johnson, greatgranddaughter of the woman who developed this heavenly
recipe back in the 1850's on Oakview Plantation in Wake
County. She shaped her savory cheese pastries into O's for
Oakview, and that's the way they're still made today. The recipe
has been handed down from daughter to daughter, gracing
the tables at countless showers, weddings and family reunions.
Ginny, herself, began baking them for Christmas gifts at the age
of 8. Finally unable to meet the demands of her friends and
neighbors from her kitchen, Ginny founded her own company
- Ginny O's. Word of mouth has spread quickly and Ginny O's "The Last Straw" can be
found flying off the shelves in 25 specialty store here in North Carolina, with custom
orders being delivered nationwide. They are, of course, a hometown favorite - and were
recently served at a luncheon honoring the First Lady during her recent visit to Raleigh.
The appeal of these delectable pastries is far reaching! After speaking with Ginny
and sampling her cheese ring, the editors of Oprah Magazine became big fans.
The November 2003 issue featured Ginny O's "The Last Straw" in their O list of
hot items! Other articles heralding Ginny's journey to bring Ginny O's "The Last
Straw" to your home have been featured in the Charlotte Observer, Raleigh News
& Observer, Metro Magazine and the Junior League of Raleigh's "The Link".
Ginny's plan for the future includes, of course, carrying on this time honored
family tradition, and had begun training her 8 year old niece, Holland, to take
over the reins. The show must of course go on, her public would not allow it
any other way.