Tasty Treat

Good Evening All!

This has nothing to do with needlework, but

I just had to share a great appetizer recipe

that I fixed for Super Bowl Sunday.  I might

add that I did more eating than watching

the game.  There was a bunch of great

food at the gathering of our friends.  If you like 

cheese, sweet, and a little heat this the the treat 

for you.  It is an old fashioned recipe that lots of

people have been serving in the Fredericksburg area

 for a really long time.  I think it fell out of favor for 

a while, but it is back.

The reason for the big platter is to serve

crackers to go with it.  I use a simple wheat cracker 

because you do not want anything to add to the 

flavors of the spread.  You simply spread a little

of the yummy cheese mixture on your cracker 

and then a little of the strawberry preserves. 

 I know it sounds odd, but it is a 

fantastic combination.

xxxxxxxxxx

PLAINS CHEESE RING

--1 lb grated extra sharp cheddar cheese

(I grate my own, it is so much better.  I

think the shredded stuff is too dry.)

--1 cup mayonnaise (I use light)

--Black pepper to taste

--1 cup chopped nuts

(I use pecans and I toast them)

--1 small onion finely diced

--Dash of cayenne

--Strawberry preserves

--Small wheat crackers

Chop and toast your nuts.   

Shred the cheese when it is still cold.

 Dice the onion. Mix together everything but

 the pepper and cayenne.  Mix your pepper 

and cayenne together.  Sprinkle it evenly over 

everything.  Mix all ingredients again.  Select

 a small bowl to hold your preserves.

Place it on your serving piece and

mound the cheese mixture around

your bowl, shaping it into a ring.

I like to put my preserves in a little dish

instead of in the center of the ring.  I

do this in case there is any cheese left,

it can be refrigerated or even frozen

for a later date.  The preserves makes

it messy.  I have also done this for wedding 

showers, engagement parties, etc.  I then shape 

it as a heart and put the preserves in the center.

One day I'll find a little heart shaped dish

to use.  Men and women like this, but you might

have to give a little tutorial at your party.

They don't know what to do with the

preserves.

I hope you like it. I'm going to take some

to the Nashville trade show to munch on.

We'll need a little sustenance to survive.

Many Happy Stitches,

Sandra