The Simple Life at Home

Well, even though I haven't managed to post any pictures (I don't know where Hubby put them on the computer) I thought it might be nice to share a recipe from the cookbook I picked up at The Lady and Sons last week. I'll work my way through the book, each Tuesday sharing a recipe from each chapter. This week, we'll start with an appetizer. Normally, I'll pick a recipe that is served at the restaurant, but not this week. The only appetizer listed as appearing on the menu is for Spinach and Artichoke Dip, which is pretty common, so I'll be giving you the recipe for something I'd never heard of before coming in contact with my friend Jan's mother, from Atlanta. When Jan first told me about this recipe, I thought it sounded horrible, but let me tell you, I was wrong. Once I tried it, I loved it! So, without further ado, Strawberry Cheese Ring:

16 oz. sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
One 3 oz. package cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 small onion, chopped
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1/2 tsp. garlic salt or powder
Cayenne pepper to taste
1 cup strawberry preserves
Buttery crackers (Ritz, Club, etc.)

Combine all ingredients except preserves and crackers in a food processor or electric mixer. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate for 2-3 hours. Scoop mixture onto a platter and mold into a ring formation (place a sheet of wax paper between your hands and the mixture to prevent melting and stickiness). Spread strawberry preserves into the center of the ring and serve with crackers.

Yum!!

Next week's recipe(s) will be both a soup and a salad, so be sure to check back then.