My Favorite Holiday Appetizer

  This is, without a doubt, my favorite holiday appetizer.  I make it every  Christmas Eve for our family gathering. ~ 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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