Cheese Ball or Cheese Log for Entertaining

No Comments | Written on February 19, 2013 at 5:00 am , by Kristina Vanni

I think I know your first question…  ”Are those walnuts RED?”  Yes!

I came across them at my grocery store and was so intrigued, I just had to try a sample.  They are not dyed or genetically modified, rather created using natural methods of grafting Persian red-skinned walnuts onto larger and creamier English walnuts. Red walnuts are only red on the inside, the tree and the shells look just like your typical English Walnuts.

This recipe can be rolled into a cheese log or cheese ball, whichever you prefer!  I used the red walnuts, rolled them into a log and will call it my “Red Carpet Cheese Log” for an Oscar get-together this weekend.

Keep reading for the recipe…

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Super Simple Super Bowl Cheese Dip

1 Comment | Written on January 18, 2013 at 5:00 am , by Kristina Vanni

You can’t get much easier than a two ingredient dip.  When it comes to the big game, sometimes you need to refill the snacks, STAT!    This recipe can be whipped up in minutes and it is sure to satisfy hungry Super Bowl guests.

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Easy New Year’s Eve Appetizer

1 Comment | Written on December 27, 2012 at 5:00 am , by Kristina Vanni

In Spain, it is considered good luck to eat 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight as we ring in a new year.  Some say, for every sweet grape you eat there will be a good month in the coming year, and for each sour one a bad month.   You can even make a wish with each one you eat!

This simple appetizer recipe is a beautiful way to present a round of brie for a New Year’s Eve celebration.  Serve with crackers or apple slices, and, of course, a glass of bubbly!   This year, may all of your grapes be sweet as we welcome 2013.  Cheers!

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Easy and Elegant Cheddar Soup

2 Comments | Written on November 27, 2012 at 5:00 am , by Kristina Vanni

I could enjoy a bowl of soup every night of the week and be perfectly happy.  Especially this time of year when a piping hot bowl of soup can warm you from the inside out.  This recipe for a creamy cheddar soup can be made in a snap, yet has an air of sophistication.

Start by selecting a bottle of your favorite dry white wine.  There’s a splash in the soup and the rest can be served with dinner!

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Decadent Crab Mac and Cheese

5 Comments | Written on November 6, 2012 at 5:00 am , by Kristina Vanni

Sometimes you just need to indulge…

On those days, you will find me turning to a heaping serving of mac and cheese.  This recipe is so much more than mac and cheese, it is pure decadence!  It’s no wonder this recipe for “Chesapeake Crab and Gruyere Cheese Macaroni” earned top honors in our recent “Cheese” themed weekly contest.

 Keep reading for this winning recipe…

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Cheese Recipe Contest

No Comments | Written on October 21, 2012 at 5:00 am , by Kristina Vanni

Weekly Recipe Contest Theme – “Cheese!“

Submit your best cheese recipe from October 21st through October 27th 2012.   Click HERE to enter your best recipes today!

Keep reading to find out how you can win up to $2000! 

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Cracker Barrel Easy Peas-y Side Dish

4 Comments | Written on November 21, 2011 at 6:00 am , by Kristina Vanni

This retro-inspired side dish recipe is not only a great way to encourage kids to eat their veggies, it can also be a great addition to your Thanksgiving table!

Cubes of Cracker Barrel Sharp Cheddar Cheese is tossed with some of your favorite veggies along with some crispy bacon and roasted peanuts for crunch.

Speaking if side dishes, don’t forget the weekly recipe contest theme this week is “Side Dishes!”

For more entertaining ideas and festive tips, be sure to visit our “Host the Holidays” group.  There you will find even more great recipes from Cracker Barrel Cheese!

Easy “Peas-y” Cheddar Chunk and Peanut Salad   (click here to view and print recipe)

Cracker Barrel Pimento Cheese Sandwich Wreath

6 Comments | Written on November 17, 2011 at 5:00 am , by Kristina Vanni

Holiday entertaining season is upon us!

Thanksgiving is just a week away, Christmas is right around the corner, and New Year’s Eve will be here before you know it!  With so many celebrations this time of year, I am always on the lookout for fun new festive finger foods.  This recipe for a “Pimento Cheese Sandwich Wreath” fits the bill.  It can be prepared with only a few ingredients, including two blocks of Cracker Barrel Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese, and, of course, a big red bow!  Check out the video for step-by-step instructions for making this adorable appetizer.

Shopping list:

-2 blocks, Cracker Barrel Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese

-Pumpernickel Cocktail Bread

-Light Rye Cocktail Bread

-Mayonnaise

-Hot Sauce

-Pimientos

-Onion

-Curly Parsley

-Red Bow

Don’t forget to take your coupons!  $1 off any two cheeses is available on the Cracker Barrel Facebook page.

Entertaining Tips:

1)  Preparation and Planning – You want to be a guest at your own party!  With Cracker Barrel Cheese, and a little planning, it’s easy.  Prepare the pimento cheese a day or two before the party, but do not assemble the sandwiches.  Store, covered, in the refrigerator until the big day!

2)  Signature Drinks – Make your party memorable with fun beverages.  Browse around Better Recipes for ideas.

We have a list of our “Top 20 Mixed Drinks,” an array of Martini Recipes, exciting Party Punches, as well as a variety of Non-Alcoholic Drinks.   

3)  Party Playlist – Music will set the tone for your party.  Here are a few options:

-Fill up your iPod with your favorite tunes and hook up to speakers for all to enjoy.

-Turn on your TV to one of the cable music channels.  This time of year there is often a holiday station.

-Pop in a holiday CD.  I just bought the new Michael Buble Christmas album, and I am already hooked!

4)  Dress the Part – Show off your style not only through your food, but also your wardrobe.  Maybe add a little flair to your apron, or if you are feeling crafty, make your own!  I might be donning this sparkly LBA (Little Black Apron) instead of the LBD (Little Black Dress)!

5)  Host the Holidays - for more recipes, tips, discussions and more, visit the “Host the Holidays” group page.

PIMENTO CHEESE SANDWICH WREATH  (click here to view and print recipe)

1 cup mayonnaise

2 Tablespoons finely chopped onion

1/2 teaspoon hot sauce

1-1/2 packages Cracker Barrel Sharp Cheddar Cheese, coarsely shredded

1/2 cup diced drained pimentos

1 loaf Pumpernickel Cocktail Bread

1 loaf Light Rye Cocktail Bread

Garnish:  Curly parsley, Red bow

In a food processor, blend the mayonnaise, onion, and hot sauce.  Add the shredded cheese and pulse until finely chopped.  Add the pimientos and pulse until just combined.  Transfer the cheese to a bowl.  Refrigerate at least 1 hour, but cheese can be made up to 3 days ahead.

To assemble sandwiches, spread Pimento Cheese onto slices of cocktail bread.  Use half of the cheese to make pumpernickel sandwiches and the other half to make rye sandwiches.

To assemble wreath, stand the sandwiches upright on your serving platter.  Alternate the pumpernickel and rye sandwiches.  Garnish with sprigs of curly parsley and a red bow.

The Big Cheese Apple

16 Comments | Written on November 11, 2011 at 5:00 am , by Kristina Vanni

Nothing says “party” like a good, old-fashioned cheese ball.  Serve with crackers and a bottle of your favorite wine, and suddenly it’s a soiree!   Many times you will see a cheese ball rolled in chopped nuts, but this recipe takes the classic party centerpiece and gives it a fun fall twist.

Isn’t that adorable!  Makes you do a double take, right?  The cheese ball is formed into the shape of an apple and coated with paprika.  A cinnamon stick is inserted in the middle for the “stem” and basil mimics the leaves.

In this recipe I used the Cracker Barrel Aged Reserve Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese.  This award-winning cheese is carefully cured for a rich, distinct and balanced flavor.

If you are looking for more fun and festive recipes to serve this holiday season, check out our new “Host the Holidays” group.  Join the discussions, voice you opinion in the polls, and even enter to win the Cracker Barrel holiday giveaways!

THE BIG CHEESE APPLE    (click here to view and print recipe)

1-1/2 pounds Cracker Barrel Aged Reserve Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated

3 ounce package cream cheese, softened

2 Tablespoons mayonnaise

1-1/2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

2 Tablespoons sherry or Madeira

1/3 cup chopped pimiento-stuffed olives

1/2 cup finely chopped celery

Paprika

Garnish:  Basil leaves, cinnamon stick

Beat cheese, mayo, Worcestershire, and wine together in mixer; mix until smooth and well-blended.  Mix in olives and celery.  Shape into a big apple, make an indentation in the top, and tuck in basil leaves, and cinnamon stick for a stem.  Sprinkle all over with paprika so it looks like an apple.  Serve with melba toast or crackers.  Makes about 4 cups.

Secret Recipe Club October – Appetizer Cheese Ball

4 Comments | Written on October 10, 2011 at 4:00 am , by Kristina Vanni

Time for the October installment of the Secret Recipe Club!  This month, I was honored to be assigned the blog of one of our hosts, Amanda Formaro from “Amanda’s Cookin’!”

She has so many outstanding recipes on her blog, but I was on a mission.  I wanted to find a great holiday appetizer.  Something easy and delicious to offer guests over the next few months.

That’s when I came upon this fantastic dish:  Gouda and Sun-Dried Tomato Cheese Ball.  It is packed with flavor, and can be whipped up in minutes.  When entertaining guests this busy holiday season, Amanda’s  appetizer is the perfect way to start the evening.

Serve with crackers, fresh fruit and a glass of wine.  I popped open a bottle of Pinot Noir and it paired perfectly.  Get ready to mix and mingle over the holidays with a little wine and cheese!

Speaking of cheese, don’t forget the recipe contest theme this week is CHEESE!  Click here to read all about the contest and enter your best cheesy recipes by Saturday night.  There is a $250 weekly prize and, of course, the $5000 grand prize and the end of the contest.  Good luck everyone!

Gouda and Sun-Dried Tomato Cheese Ball  (click here to view and print recipe) 

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese
2 cups shredded Gouda cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
1/4 cup chopped oil-packed sun dried tomatoes, drained
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 cup chopped pecans

Combine cream cheese and Gouda cheese in food processor until creamy. remove cheese mixture from processor and place in a bowl. Stir in chives, tomatoes and garlic powder.

Shape mixture into 1 large or 2 small balls or logs; roll in pecans. Wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours but no longer than 2 weeks. Serve with crackers.

What to see other Secret Recipe Club blogs?  Follow this link!