Cheddar Cheese-Fruit Log

A blend of cheddar cheese & cream cheese is embellished with dried fruits and pistachios, both inside and out.

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Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (at room temp.)
• 2, 8 oz packages cream cheese (room temp)
• 1/2 cup diced dried apricots
• 1/2 cup golden raisins
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup dried dates, diced
• 1/2 cup shelled pistachio nuts
• Assorted crackers

Method

Set aside one heaping Tbsp of each of the fruit and nut ingredients. Mix remaining fruits and nuts together in a separate bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream together cheddar cheese and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy, scraping the bowl as you go. Feel free to add a tsp. or so of milk, if you feel your mixture is too stiff. Place a large sheet of foil on the counter and spoon about half the cheese mixture on it, shaping into a 9x3-inch log, and flattening as you go. Sprinkle the top of this cheese mixture with the tbsp-size portions of the fruit and nuts; press them into the mixture. Spread the remaining cheese mixture on top of the fruit mixture, shaping into the log. Wrap and refrigerate several hours or overnight, until firm. When firm, unwrap the cheese log and roll it into the remaining fruit and nut mixture, covering the log completely. Serve with assorted crackers.

Notes: This is delicious any time of year. For excellence, finely shred your own cheddar cheese, instead of using the pre-shredded cheese from the grocery store.

Number of servings: About 24

Submitted By: dnoel1724467
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