Tuesday, December 17, 2013

My Favorite Holiday Appetizer

 
This is, without a doubt, my favorite holiday appetizer.  I make it every
 Christmas Eve for our family gathering.
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But this year, I made it for an office Thanksgiving dinner and nearly everyone begged for the recipe. Who knew it would be so popular?  So I decided to share it with you all in case you're looking for a crowd pleasing appetizer.
 
 
It's super easy and you make it the day before which means no last minute prep.
In these photos, I am showing it for "picture sake only" with the crackers served on the same dish.  Normally I serve the crackers on the side so they don't get soggy from the marinade.
 
 
Southwestern Cheese Appetizer
  
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup white wine vinegar
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 (7.5 oz) jar roasted sweet red peppers, drained & diced
3 green onions, minced
3 T. chopped fresh parsley
3 T. chopped fresh cilantro
1 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. fresh ground pepper
8-oz block of sharp Cheddar cheese, chilled
8-oz block of Monterey Jack cheese with peppers, chilled
8-oz package cream cheese, chilled
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Wisk together the first 3 ingredients until mixture is blended; stir in the diced red peppers and the next 6 ingredients.  Set marinade aside.
Cut the block of Cheddar cheese in half lengthwise.  Cut halves crosswise into 1/4-inch slices.  Repeat with Monterey Jack cheese and cream cheese.
Arrange cheese slices alternatingly in a shallow baking dish, standing slices on edge.  Pour marinade over cheeses.  Cover and chill at least 8 hours.
Transfer cheese to a serving plate and spoon remaining marinade over the top.  Serve with your favorite crackers, (I use Ritz crackers).
Enjoy  
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Linking with
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5 comments:

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Looks and sounds so yummy!!

Linda P said...

That's a good idea for a party and I'm making a note of it. Tonight I'm going to a bring-and-share party and I've decided on a refreshing fresh fruit salad as I have to bring a contribution for the end of the meal.

My Garden Diaries said...

Yum and Yum!!!! We are a family who loves our apps!!! This recipe looks amazing friend! I will have to give it a whirl for Christmas Eve!!! This will go perfect with our Italian meal of lasagna, fish and appetizers! Thanks for sharing and I hope that your week is full of wonderful lovelies!!!!

Decor To Adore said...

This looks so yummy!

I hope you are enjoying this holiday season .

Unknown said...

Yummy and healthy, love these treats!
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